gorge waterfalls 100k
2018 race date will be announced soon. lottery will take place fall 2017 via ultrasignup.
benson state recreation area, columbia river gorge, oregon
Click here for 2017 race results
Click here for Glenn Tachiyama's 2017 race photos
Lottery and Pricing
The lottery will take place in the fall of 2017. Stay tuned for more details soon! Price will be $160.
Group Registration
New this year: We will be offering a Group Registration option. At registration, you will be asked if it's an individual or group registration. If you are part of a group who wants to run together, enter the group name, and you will get one ticket for the entire group. If your ticket is drawn, the whole group gets in. Every person who is interested in running the race as part of the group needs to register separately and include their group name in the registration process. If you have any questions, feel free to email us info@rainshadowrunning.com.
Volunteering
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@rainshadowrunning.com. Being a volunteer for the 2018 race allows you to bypass the lottery for the 2019 race!
Cancellation Policy
We understand things come up and you may not be able to make the race. We are unable to offer refunds for any of our races, but our cancellation policy is as follows:
Click here for Glenn Tachiyama's 2017 race photos
Lottery and Pricing
The lottery will take place in the fall of 2017. Stay tuned for more details soon! Price will be $160.
Group Registration
New this year: We will be offering a Group Registration option. At registration, you will be asked if it's an individual or group registration. If you are part of a group who wants to run together, enter the group name, and you will get one ticket for the entire group. If your ticket is drawn, the whole group gets in. Every person who is interested in running the race as part of the group needs to register separately and include their group name in the registration process. If you have any questions, feel free to email us info@rainshadowrunning.com.
Volunteering
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@rainshadowrunning.com. Being a volunteer for the 2018 race allows you to bypass the lottery for the 2019 race!
Cancellation Policy
We understand things come up and you may not be able to make the race. We are unable to offer refunds for any of our races, but our cancellation policy is as follows:
- within 7 days of registration opening: 100% transfer credit
- 60+ plus from race day: 75% transfer credit
- 30-60 days from race day: 50% transfer credit
- 7-30 days from race day: 25% transfer credit
- within 7 days of race day: no credits available
Western States Qualifier
Our 2017 Gorge Waterfalls 100k will be a qualifying race for the 2018 Western States 100, which means any runners who finishes in the 17 hour range will be qualified to apply for the 2018 Western States lottery, which takes place in December, 2017.
THE GORGE 100K IS ALSO A 2017 WESTERN STATES 100 GOLDEN TICKET RACE, WHICH MEANS, quoting the WSER Board here: "The top two (2) female and top two (2) male finishers in each individual race will automatically qualify for entry into the 2017 Western States 100 event. In the case that the first, or second place participant is already in Western States (or decides to opt out), the automatic bid will slide to third place, fourth place, and subsequently down to fifth place as needed (no places below fifth will be accepted). Runners will receive their invitation via email and have two weeks from the qualifying race to complete the registration, including paying the entry fee. There are no deferments or transfers."
Our 2017 Gorge Waterfalls 100k will be a qualifying race for the 2018 Western States 100, which means any runners who finishes in the 17 hour range will be qualified to apply for the 2018 Western States lottery, which takes place in December, 2017.
THE GORGE 100K IS ALSO A 2017 WESTERN STATES 100 GOLDEN TICKET RACE, WHICH MEANS, quoting the WSER Board here: "The top two (2) female and top two (2) male finishers in each individual race will automatically qualify for entry into the 2017 Western States 100 event. In the case that the first, or second place participant is already in Western States (or decides to opt out), the automatic bid will slide to third place, fourth place, and subsequently down to fifth place as needed (no places below fifth will be accepted). Runners will receive their invitation via email and have two weeks from the qualifying race to complete the registration, including paying the entry fee. There are no deferments or transfers."
Timeline
Saturday April 8th
4:30-5:55 am: Race check-in/bib pick-up at Benson State Recreation Area ALL RUNNERS MUST SHOW PHOTO ID TO PICK UP BIB
6:00 am: Race starts
2:25 pm: cut-off at Wyeth, mile 31
4:45 pm: cut-off at Cascade Locks, mile 40.5
7:15 pm: cut-off at Yeon, mile 49.3
9:15 pm: cut-off at No Name, mile 56.5
11:00 pm: finish line cut-off
Parking
Parking is very limited at Benson State Rec Area. We strongly encourage carpooling. Once the lot is full, the overflow parking is a mile away at Multnomah Falls. There is a trail that connects Multnomah to Benson, but you will have to walk the mile back. We will have parking volunteers to assist you, but the best way to ensure a spot at Benson is to carpool!
Saturday April 8th
4:30-5:55 am: Race check-in/bib pick-up at Benson State Recreation Area ALL RUNNERS MUST SHOW PHOTO ID TO PICK UP BIB
6:00 am: Race starts
2:25 pm: cut-off at Wyeth, mile 31
4:45 pm: cut-off at Cascade Locks, mile 40.5
7:15 pm: cut-off at Yeon, mile 49.3
9:15 pm: cut-off at No Name, mile 56.5
11:00 pm: finish line cut-off
Parking
Parking is very limited at Benson State Rec Area. We strongly encourage carpooling. Once the lot is full, the overflow parking is a mile away at Multnomah Falls. There is a trail that connects Multnomah to Benson, but you will have to walk the mile back. We will have parking volunteers to assist you, but the best way to ensure a spot at Benson is to carpool!
Course Description
The Gorge Waterfalls 100k is unique in the number of waterfalls this course includes - Quite possibly more waterfalls than you'll be able to count! Wahkeena Falls, Fairy Falls, Multnomah Falls, Oneota Falls, Dry Falls, and far more, including Ponytail Falls, which you'll run right underneath. And, as this is an out-and-back course, you'll see each waterfall twice, so even if you miss some of them in the dark at the start, you'll have a chance to appreciate them on your way back! This course is as beautiful as it is challenging. With approximately 12,000 feet of elevation gain and a course that is very rocky, this is not an entry or beginner level 100K. We recommend having run a 50 mile race or longer prior to signing up for this race.
For inspiration, check out Project Talaria's 2014 Gorge Watefalls video and Ethan Newberry's 2014 Gorge Waterfalls 100k Video.
The Gorge Waterfalls 100k is unique in the number of waterfalls this course includes - Quite possibly more waterfalls than you'll be able to count! Wahkeena Falls, Fairy Falls, Multnomah Falls, Oneota Falls, Dry Falls, and far more, including Ponytail Falls, which you'll run right underneath. And, as this is an out-and-back course, you'll see each waterfall twice, so even if you miss some of them in the dark at the start, you'll have a chance to appreciate them on your way back! This course is as beautiful as it is challenging. With approximately 12,000 feet of elevation gain and a course that is very rocky, this is not an entry or beginner level 100K. We recommend having run a 50 mile race or longer prior to signing up for this race.
For inspiration, check out Project Talaria's 2014 Gorge Watefalls video and Ethan Newberry's 2014 Gorge Waterfalls 100k Video.
| Gorge Waterfalls 100K Map |
Elevation Profile
Aid Stations
Each of our aid stations will be fully stocked (with the exception of No Name the first time through at mile 6 which will be water and electrolyte only) with water, electrolyte drink, gels, plenty of fresh fruit, peanut butter and jelly wraps, chips, candy, and first aid supplies; including vaseline, duct tape, and feminine hygiene products for issues that arise on course. If you desire any specific food products or electrolytes, please pack them in your drop bag.
AID STATIONS
- No Name - mile 6 & 56
- Yeon - mile 13 & 49
- Cascade Locks - mile 22 & 40
- Wyeth - mile 31, the turn-around and halfway point
DROP BAGS
Drop bag access at six of the seven aid stations; all aid stations, except No Name, the first time at mile 6. There will be tarps set up at the start line where you will leave your bag for each aid station. We will provide duct tape and sharpies, but you provide your own bag. Please keep the bag to a reasonable size as our volunteers will be carting them to and from the aid station. Please write your name, bib number, and aid station on the bag. Our volunteers will take them to each aid station location and return them. We will do our best to return drop bags to the finish line once the runner has gone through that aid station, but some may not come back until the aid stations close at their respective cut off time.
CREW ACCESS/PACERS
There are no pacers allowed for the Gorge Waterfalls 100K.
Poles are allowed on the course, but please be mindful of other runners and hikers around you.
Dogs are allowed on the trails, though we do not encourage running with your dog for this particular race. The trails can get busy with other users (especially at Multnomah Falls) and there are sections that are steep and slippery, making it difficult to pass. If you do choose to run with your dog, they must be on a leash and be sure to pick up after them (and carry it out). Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at the finish line.
Crew Access OK at all aid stations except No Name.
- Yeon - mile 13 & 49
- Cascade Locks - mile 22 & 40
- Wyeth - the turn-around and halfway point
- No crew access at No Name
Lodging/Travel
Portland, OR is the closest airport. Seatac (Seattle) is the next closest, and is approximately a 3 hour drive to Portland. Troutdale, OR, and Cascade Locks, OR are the two closest options for hotels and restaurants. Portland is also close, if you live nearby, and/or prefer to stay in a bigger city. The closest camping is located at Ainsworth State Park.
McMenamin's Edgefield is where the post, post-race party will be, and you can book rooms there directly via their website. They are currently completely booked, but we encourage you to call them to ask as people may end up cancelling.
There are also additional hotel options nearby the Edgefield, and pretty endless lodging options in the Portland/Gresham/Troutdale area.
There is NO tent or car camping allowed at the Benson State Recreation Area where the start and finish line will be. It is a day use only area.
Portland, OR is the closest airport. Seatac (Seattle) is the next closest, and is approximately a 3 hour drive to Portland. Troutdale, OR, and Cascade Locks, OR are the two closest options for hotels and restaurants. Portland is also close, if you live nearby, and/or prefer to stay in a bigger city. The closest camping is located at Ainsworth State Park.
McMenamin's Edgefield is where the post, post-race party will be, and you can book rooms there directly via their website. They are currently completely booked, but we encourage you to call them to ask as people may end up cancelling.
There are also additional hotel options nearby the Edgefield, and pretty endless lodging options in the Portland/Gresham/Troutdale area.
There is NO tent or car camping allowed at the Benson State Recreation Area where the start and finish line will be. It is a day use only area.
Driving Directions/Carpooling
The 100k starts and finishes at Benson State Recreation Area in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (about 13 miles East of Troutdale, OR at Exit 30 on I-84). Click here for road map and driving directions. Please note that Exit 30 is only accessible for eastbound traffic, which means that for you folks coming from the east you'll have to go past Exit 30 to Exit 22 and then get back on the interstate heading east to get to Exit 30. Likewise, for folks heading home after the race to places west of Exit 30, you'll have to go east to Exit 31(Multnomah Falls) to get on on I-84 heading west.
There is limited parking at the start/finish of the race. We STRONGLY encourage carpooling whenever you can. Once the lot is full, overflow parking is one mile away at Multnomah Falls. Runners who show up after the lot is full may have to walk the mile to the start line.
The 100k starts and finishes at Benson State Recreation Area in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (about 13 miles East of Troutdale, OR at Exit 30 on I-84). Click here for road map and driving directions. Please note that Exit 30 is only accessible for eastbound traffic, which means that for you folks coming from the east you'll have to go past Exit 30 to Exit 22 and then get back on the interstate heading east to get to Exit 30. Likewise, for folks heading home after the race to places west of Exit 30, you'll have to go east to Exit 31(Multnomah Falls) to get on on I-84 heading west.
There is limited parking at the start/finish of the race. We STRONGLY encourage carpooling whenever you can. Once the lot is full, overflow parking is one mile away at Multnomah Falls. Runners who show up after the lot is full may have to walk the mile to the start line.
Coordinating carpools in three quick and easy steps!
- Click this link and scan the spreadsheet to find compatible folks to carpool with;
- Contact those folks or...
- If you don't see what you're looking for enter your own details and contact info.
Results, Pictures, Videos, and Race Reports
2016 results here, and all previous years' results can be found via UltraSignup.
Scroll down for links to 100k race recaps and race photos from Rainshadow race photographer, Glenn Tachiyama!
2016
Glenn Tachiyama - Official Race Photos
Race recap by 3rd place male, Jeremy Humphrey
Race recap by 4th place male, Ryan Ghelfi
Seven Hills/Gorge 100k Prediction Contest Winner: Jessie McClurg!
Race recap by Robert Sholtis
Race recap by Annie Weiss
Race recap by Glenn Jasechko
Race recap by Rob Russell
Race recap by Tara Holland
Race recap by Hilary Matheson
Race recap by Sawna Gaudarrama
Race recap by Jonnah Perkins
Race recap by Dana Notman
Race recap by Eric Lee
Race recap by Ryan Delany
Race recap by Zach Szablewski
Race recap by Michael Miller
Race recap by Cyndi Wyatt
Race recap by David Li
2015
Glenn Tachiyama - Official Race Photos
Race recap by Bob Shebest
Race recap by Van Phan
Race recap by Chris Denucci
2014
Glenn Tachiyama - Official Race Photos
Paul Nelson Photos
Ginger Runner 100k Race Video - GREAT introduction to the course, if you've never run to this part of the world (and even if you have!).
2014 Inaugural Race Recap for UltraRunning Magazine by Matt & Kerri Stebbins
Race recap by Alicia Woodside [Women's inaugural Gorge Waterfalls 100k winner!]
Race recap by Luke Distelhorst
Contact
Questions? The race director for this and all Rainshadow Running races is James Varner.
