TrailFactor 50k Trail Races Forest Park, Portland OR May 28, 2012
Just a few days away till the local 50K Trail Ultra! I'm very excited to run the beautiful trails of Forest Park. I have been training hard there for the last year. Following the weather report it looks like wet and muddy trails! What more could you ask for?
Here is a description of the course and race:
Get ready for a course that will show you the true beauty of the diversity of the trails in Forest Park! A course that was developed by runners who have spent many hours finding the secrets of the park.
Half Marathon runners will find a fast, but challenging course that rises quickly above Lower Macleay Park on Wildwood Trail. Once you think you have leveled off a bit, you will get to experience a climb to the top of Wild Cherry and Dogwood Trails before descending again to Wildwood. A quick section along Wildwood will take you to the turnaround at Firelane 1. Then it's back the way you came, another quick climb up Dogwood Trail and then a nice fast descent to the finish!
The 50K course will follow the same first seven miles of the half marathon course, and then the fun begins. Runners will plunge down Firelane 1 to Leif Erikson and then enjoy a relative flat section before winding their way up Nature Trail to reconnect with Firelane 1 and then Wildwood Trail. After heading up Wildwood, runners will turn on Maple Trail, enjoying a beautiful downhill to Koenig Trail. Then it's up Koenig Trail to Leif Erikson for a break and then straight down Firelane 4 to reconnect to Maple. After running the full length of Maple Trail, the course will hit Leif Erikson to Wiregate Trail, then back on Wildwood Trail. Half-way there! Runners will then enjoy a burly uphill to the top of Firelane 5 and and the third aid station at the top.
Then its time to cruise down Saltzman Road for over a mile before turning back on to Wildwood Trail for five rolling miles to the last aid station at the intersection at the top of Firelane 1. From here, it almost all down hill to the finish . . . Except for the little climb back to the top of Dogwood Trail and Wild Cherry.
Watch this video of sections of the course, courtesy of Animal Athletics.
"I'm highly recommending this race for anyone that is one the fence...The course is challenging but not to overwhelming, absolutely breathtaking, and it's sure to be a great vibe." Read the rest of Yassine Diboun'sdescription of the 50K course.
Course Maps and Elevation Profile
Click the map to see the course and elevation profile:
Click the map to see the course and elevation profile:
We have a handy turns and distances chart you can download for reference.
Aid Stations/Drop Bags:
There is one well-stocked aid station for the Half Marathon and three for the 50K. You can count on GU in a variety of flavors, GU Brew, PB&J, bananas, potatoes, chips, M&Ms, gummy bears, water, and other ultra-fare. You are welcome to carry your own aid.
There is one well-stocked aid station for the Half Marathon and three for the 50K. You can count on GU in a variety of flavors, GU Brew, PB&J, bananas, potatoes, chips, M&Ms, gummy bears, water, and other ultra-fare. You are welcome to carry your own aid.
Paul Nelson
http://www.paulmnelson.com
http://animalathleticspdx.com/
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http://animalathleticspdx.com/
xocai teamx88 adampaulgreen paulmnelson jj birden
