Secret Beach 100k & 50M
October 5th, 2019
pacific reef resort // Gold Beach, OR
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
2018 Results
2018 100k photos // 2018 50m photos
General Description:
This section of the Oregon Coast is rugged, remote and stunning! The courses go from running on the sandy beaches to grassy bluffs hundreds of feet above waves crashing into the rocks below to deep dark old growth forest to old sand dunes now covered in trees to tree tunnels and so many other variations. It's one jaw dropping, camera grabbing view after another, all day long! You're going to be smiling ear to ear mile after mile.
Course Details:
Both courses are "out and back" style routes that both start and finish in the town of Gold Beach. The courses are mostly single track but they both have 5 miles of running on the shoulder of HWY 101(broken up into two 2.5 mile sections) 16 miles of running(if you can) on the sand(broken up into multiple smaller sections the longest two sections being about 4.9 miles). Because of all the miles on sand, which can vary from firm to very soft, these courses will be harder and slower than you would think just by looking at the elevation profiles.
The 100K has about 6,650ft of elevation gain.
The 50M has about 5,000ft of elevation gain.
Click Here for Course Maps and Elevation Profiles
This section of the Oregon Coast is rugged, remote and stunning! The courses go from running on the sandy beaches to grassy bluffs hundreds of feet above waves crashing into the rocks below to deep dark old growth forest to old sand dunes now covered in trees to tree tunnels and so many other variations. It's one jaw dropping, camera grabbing view after another, all day long! You're going to be smiling ear to ear mile after mile.
Course Details:
Both courses are "out and back" style routes that both start and finish in the town of Gold Beach. The courses are mostly single track but they both have 5 miles of running on the shoulder of HWY 101(broken up into two 2.5 mile sections) 16 miles of running(if you can) on the sand(broken up into multiple smaller sections the longest two sections being about 4.9 miles). Because of all the miles on sand, which can vary from firm to very soft, these courses will be harder and slower than you would think just by looking at the elevation profiles.
The 100K has about 6,650ft of elevation gain.
The 50M has about 5,000ft of elevation gain.
Click Here for Course Maps and Elevation Profiles
Registration:
Registration will open April 2nd, 2019 on UltraSignup. Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners have the option to add on a technical running shirt of a soft, cotton-blend shirt during the registration process. We do not offer finisher's medals, but your registration fee includes free wood-fired pizza and craft beer (along with other snacks and non alcoholic drinks) for you and your family or friends as well as a live bluegrass band.
100K:
Until June 30th: $185
July 1st-August 31st: $200
September 1st until sold out: $215
50M:
Until June 30th: $155
July 1st-August 31st: $170
September 1st until sold out: $195
Race Weekend Timeline:
Saturday October 5th, 2019
Aid Stations:
Our races strive to use as few disposable products as possible, therefore our aid stations will be cup-free, we recommend that runners carry their own cup or bottle or other drinking vessel. We will have Ultra Aspire collapsible cups for sale at the race for $5 or you can buy one in advance online and pick it up at the race.
Each aid station will be stocked with water, Nuun electrolyte drink, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, pickles, and assorted cookies or candy. We will have a variety of gels, but we do ask that you only use those to supplement what you are providing for yourself. There will also be first aid supplies, sunscreen, bug spray, and feminine hygiene products for issues that arise on the course.
The 100K will have 5 aid stations and the 50M will have 4 aid stations.
Crew access and drop bags will be possible at all of the aid stations.
Cutoff times will be 17 hours for the both distances. This is a hard race, despite a relatively gentle elevation profile. For this reason we are choosing to to have both distances with the same cut off time so that runners have the option to run a 100K with a relatively strict cut off (the winning time in 2018 was 12 hours) or a 50 mile with a much more generous cut off so that a larger variety of paces are welcome.
100K Aid Stations and Cutoff Times:
10.8 Myers Creek -- No Cutoff Time
20.2 Arch Rock -- No Cutoff Time
30.7 House Rock -- 2:30pm
41.2 Arch Rock -- 5:20pm
50.6 Myers Creek -- 7:50pm
62.0 Finish -- 11:00pm
50M Aid Stations and Cutoff Times
10.8 Myers Creek -- No Cutoff Time
20.2 Arch Rock -- No Cutoff Time
25.0 Turnaround, 2:30 pm NOT AN OFFICIAL AID STATION
29.8 Arch Rock -- 5:20 pm
39.2 Myers Creek -- 7:50 pm
50.0 Finish -- 11:00 pm
Crew Access/Pacers
All of the aid stations are crew accessible and right off of Hwy 101. Please remember that runners may only receive aid at designated aid stations. We will allow pacers, starting from the Myers Creek aid station, the second time (mile 50.6 for the 100K and mile 39.2 for the 50M). No pacers allowed before that point in the race. Pacers will need to sign a waiver and pick up a pacer bib at the start area. Pacers are responsible for getting themselves to Myers Creek.
Drop Bags
Runners can have one drop bag at each aid station (Myers Creek, Arch Rock, House Rock). Runners should label their bags with their name, bib number, and aid station location. We will have tarps set up at the start area during check in where runners can leave their bags on the tarps and our aid station volunteers will transport them to and from each aid station. Please keep the bags to a reasonable size as space in their cars is limited (no large duffel bags, large totes, etc). We will do our best to keep your bags covered and dry, but if there is rain in the forecast, we do recommend putting things in ziploc or waterproof bags as they likely will get wet.
The drop bags will not come back to the finish line until each aid station closes, which could be relatively late for some of them. If you are not able to pick them up Saturday night, you can swing by Sunday morning and grab your bags. We will hold on to leftover bags for about a month so if you forget yours, send us an email and we will arrange to get it back to you (probably minus the food, because that gets gross in our house). After a month, all contents are donated.
For those not familiar with drop bags, it's a way for you to have certain items at specific aid stations. If you like to have a certain kind of nutrition or specific brand of electrolyte, you can put those in your bag and restock at the aid station instead of carrying it the whole way. Some people leave extra layers, gloves or hats, or dry socks in their bags. Runners are responsible for providing their own bag.
Cut Off Times
The cut off times are when runners need to be leaving the aid stations, not arriving. We are strict with our cut offs and if you do not reach the aid station by the times listed above, you will be pulled from the course. Although these are public trails, you are part of the permitted race and we are ultimately responsible for you. If you continue on behind the sweepers (who are removing the flagging), it puts us in a huge liability situation. We have the cut off times for many reasons; to be in compliance with our permits, for safety reasons, and to ensure our volunteers can go home at their scheduled time. Please accept your fate with grace and do not put our volunteers in a situation where they need to argue with you. There are consequences for not allowing us to pull you from the course and continuing on past cut off time. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Post Race Party:
Those of you have run Rainshadow races in the past know just what a great party our race-weekends are. We love the sense of community our races create and we encourage people to stay and cheer on their fellow runners while partaking in post race festivities. We'll have fresh, handmade pizza, in addition to a slew of other finish-line goodies (including gluten-free & vegan options). The post race party is free for all registered runners and their friends/families and volunteers. There will be beer available for those 21 and older, but please have your ID ready to show our volunteers.
Prizes
The top 3 men and women will receive a custom growler from Fresh Northwest Design. We also offer random raffle prizes that all runners are eligible for. Raffle prizes including gift certificates to Seven Hills Running Shop in Seattle, coffee beans or coffee mugs from Tony's Coffee, goodies from Nuun, and free Rainshadow swag.
The last runner for each race will receive a free pair of sale shoes from Seven Hills Running Shop.
Driving Directions:
The Start/Finish will be at the Pacific Reef Hotel (call the hotel to get your room at a discounted rate)! Runners who are staying overnight at the Pacific Reef Hotel will be able to park in their lot. For those not staying overnight, there is street parking available within walking distance. There will be no parking available at the fairgrounds.
Please Carpool:
It's easy to do, good for the planet, saves money and it's fun! Follow this three easy steps:
Lodging:
Pacific Reef Hotel is the host hotel for the race and the race will start and finish right on the lawn. The hotel is on the ocean and many of the rooms have ocean views. We highly recommend calling the hotel as soon as you're registered to book your room(tell them you're running Secret Beach Race to get your discount!) as the rooms are limited.
There are other hotels and lodging within a very short walk from the race start/finish, any place on Ellensburg Avenue with an address between 29392 and 29232 will be close by.
Contact Us:
For more information or to ask us questions email: info@rainshadowrunning.com. The race directors for this race and all Rainshadow Running races are James Varner and Elizabeth Reese.
Registration will open April 2nd, 2019 on UltraSignup. Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners have the option to add on a technical running shirt of a soft, cotton-blend shirt during the registration process. We do not offer finisher's medals, but your registration fee includes free wood-fired pizza and craft beer (along with other snacks and non alcoholic drinks) for you and your family or friends as well as a live bluegrass band.
100K:
Until June 30th: $185
July 1st-August 31st: $200
September 1st until sold out: $215
50M:
Until June 30th: $155
July 1st-August 31st: $170
September 1st until sold out: $195
Race Weekend Timeline:
Saturday October 5th, 2019
- 4:45-6:00 am: Bib pick up
- 6:00 am: 100K & 50M race starts
- 11:00 pm: Finish line cut off
Aid Stations:
Our races strive to use as few disposable products as possible, therefore our aid stations will be cup-free, we recommend that runners carry their own cup or bottle or other drinking vessel. We will have Ultra Aspire collapsible cups for sale at the race for $5 or you can buy one in advance online and pick it up at the race.
Each aid station will be stocked with water, Nuun electrolyte drink, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, pickles, and assorted cookies or candy. We will have a variety of gels, but we do ask that you only use those to supplement what you are providing for yourself. There will also be first aid supplies, sunscreen, bug spray, and feminine hygiene products for issues that arise on the course.
The 100K will have 5 aid stations and the 50M will have 4 aid stations.
Crew access and drop bags will be possible at all of the aid stations.
Cutoff times will be 17 hours for the both distances. This is a hard race, despite a relatively gentle elevation profile. For this reason we are choosing to to have both distances with the same cut off time so that runners have the option to run a 100K with a relatively strict cut off (the winning time in 2018 was 12 hours) or a 50 mile with a much more generous cut off so that a larger variety of paces are welcome.
100K Aid Stations and Cutoff Times:
10.8 Myers Creek -- No Cutoff Time
20.2 Arch Rock -- No Cutoff Time
30.7 House Rock -- 2:30pm
41.2 Arch Rock -- 5:20pm
50.6 Myers Creek -- 7:50pm
62.0 Finish -- 11:00pm
50M Aid Stations and Cutoff Times
10.8 Myers Creek -- No Cutoff Time
20.2 Arch Rock -- No Cutoff Time
25.0 Turnaround, 2:30 pm NOT AN OFFICIAL AID STATION
29.8 Arch Rock -- 5:20 pm
39.2 Myers Creek -- 7:50 pm
50.0 Finish -- 11:00 pm
Crew Access/Pacers
All of the aid stations are crew accessible and right off of Hwy 101. Please remember that runners may only receive aid at designated aid stations. We will allow pacers, starting from the Myers Creek aid station, the second time (mile 50.6 for the 100K and mile 39.2 for the 50M). No pacers allowed before that point in the race. Pacers will need to sign a waiver and pick up a pacer bib at the start area. Pacers are responsible for getting themselves to Myers Creek.
Drop Bags
Runners can have one drop bag at each aid station (Myers Creek, Arch Rock, House Rock). Runners should label their bags with their name, bib number, and aid station location. We will have tarps set up at the start area during check in where runners can leave their bags on the tarps and our aid station volunteers will transport them to and from each aid station. Please keep the bags to a reasonable size as space in their cars is limited (no large duffel bags, large totes, etc). We will do our best to keep your bags covered and dry, but if there is rain in the forecast, we do recommend putting things in ziploc or waterproof bags as they likely will get wet.
The drop bags will not come back to the finish line until each aid station closes, which could be relatively late for some of them. If you are not able to pick them up Saturday night, you can swing by Sunday morning and grab your bags. We will hold on to leftover bags for about a month so if you forget yours, send us an email and we will arrange to get it back to you (probably minus the food, because that gets gross in our house). After a month, all contents are donated.
For those not familiar with drop bags, it's a way for you to have certain items at specific aid stations. If you like to have a certain kind of nutrition or specific brand of electrolyte, you can put those in your bag and restock at the aid station instead of carrying it the whole way. Some people leave extra layers, gloves or hats, or dry socks in their bags. Runners are responsible for providing their own bag.
Cut Off Times
The cut off times are when runners need to be leaving the aid stations, not arriving. We are strict with our cut offs and if you do not reach the aid station by the times listed above, you will be pulled from the course. Although these are public trails, you are part of the permitted race and we are ultimately responsible for you. If you continue on behind the sweepers (who are removing the flagging), it puts us in a huge liability situation. We have the cut off times for many reasons; to be in compliance with our permits, for safety reasons, and to ensure our volunteers can go home at their scheduled time. Please accept your fate with grace and do not put our volunteers in a situation where they need to argue with you. There are consequences for not allowing us to pull you from the course and continuing on past cut off time. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Post Race Party:
Those of you have run Rainshadow races in the past know just what a great party our race-weekends are. We love the sense of community our races create and we encourage people to stay and cheer on their fellow runners while partaking in post race festivities. We'll have fresh, handmade pizza, in addition to a slew of other finish-line goodies (including gluten-free & vegan options). The post race party is free for all registered runners and their friends/families and volunteers. There will be beer available for those 21 and older, but please have your ID ready to show our volunteers.
Prizes
The top 3 men and women will receive a custom growler from Fresh Northwest Design. We also offer random raffle prizes that all runners are eligible for. Raffle prizes including gift certificates to Seven Hills Running Shop in Seattle, coffee beans or coffee mugs from Tony's Coffee, goodies from Nuun, and free Rainshadow swag.
The last runner for each race will receive a free pair of sale shoes from Seven Hills Running Shop.
Driving Directions:
The Start/Finish will be at the Pacific Reef Hotel (call the hotel to get your room at a discounted rate)! Runners who are staying overnight at the Pacific Reef Hotel will be able to park in their lot. For those not staying overnight, there is street parking available within walking distance. There will be no parking available at the fairgrounds.
Please Carpool:
It's easy to do, good for the planet, saves money and it's fun! Follow this three 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.
Lodging:
Pacific Reef Hotel is the host hotel for the race and the race will start and finish right on the lawn. The hotel is on the ocean and many of the rooms have ocean views. We highly recommend calling the hotel as soon as you're registered to book your room(tell them you're running Secret Beach Race to get your discount!) as the rooms are limited.
There are other hotels and lodging within a very short walk from the race start/finish, any place on Ellensburg Avenue with an address between 29392 and 29232 will be close by.
Contact Us:
For more information or to ask us questions email: info@rainshadowrunning.com. The race directors for this race and all Rainshadow Running races are James Varner and Elizabeth Reese.