Mt Ashland Hillclimb Run

Frequently Asked Questions (with some less frequent, but real questions)

Will you fill up/should I register early?
Yes, it is highly likely we will fill all the spots the Forest Service allows us and therefore it is in your interest to register earlier rather than later.

Is there a wait-list if the race fills?
No. In talking with other race organizers, we found this to be fraught with peril. We're sorry.

But all my training is for this race; you should let me enter.
Lack of planning on your part does not constitute a cause for emergency action on ours.

Can I use my friend's/spouse's entry?
No.

Can I trade my entry to someone else?
No. Sorry. Your waiver is not valid for that person.

Is this race hard?
You bet your $200 running shoes it is. This event has reduced some of the area's best runners into quivering masses of jello.

Can I stop part-way?
You can stop at the lodge aid station, but any where else is really a bad idea because the course is quite remote. Our aid station personnel won't be leaving until their stint is over and they may not have much room in their vehicles. Please be prepared to run or walk at least to the lodge in the time allotted.

How come all your pictures have smiling people?
Some of those people are hypoxic and they probably couldn't tell you who the current president is. Also, we don't show the photos of people being miserable.

Where can I pick up my race packet?
Pick up your race packet the day before the race from 12-6pm at Rogue Valley Runners, 161 E. Main St, downtown Ashland, or on race-day after 6:30, but before 7:15 at the start area near the bottom of Lithia Park on Winburn Way near the Plaza in downtown Ashland.

When does race-day race desk open?
6:30 AM

Can I register the day of the race?
No.

Is there a separate start for slower runners/walkers?
No. Everyone starts at 7:30.

Why is the cost $24 this year?
Several reasons. For the last 7 years or so we have held the entry to $20. This year, the event is no longer associated with the City of Ashland, so we now pay for our own event insurance and registration costs. In the last few years, everyone from the Forest Service to the Mt Ashland ski area has been assessing us fees. It is appropriate that we pay these--no issue there, but it adds up. We think we're still pretty good value.

Can I arrange it so that my name doesn't appear in the results?
No.

Are there entry fee refunds?
No. There are no entry fee refunds, regardless of circumstances. Sorry.

Are you the party of no?
No.

If I can't make it, can you mail me the t-shirts and other stuff?
No, and if you ask, we will digitally laugh at you. :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

Where is the start of the race?
The race begins in downtown Ashland at the upper end of the plaza at the base of Lithia Park on Winburn Way. There is a frequently headless statue of Abraham Lincoln there. It is adjacent to the Elizabethan Theater.

Is there a restroom near the start.
Yes, there are restrooms by the creek, about 100 feet from the start area. See, we answer yes to all kinds of questions.

What is the race route?
See the Course page.
The race begins in downtown Ashland at the upper end of the plaza at the base of Lithia Park on Winburn Way and proceeds on Winburn Way through Lithia Park to Granite Street. Granite Street becomes a dirt road and wraps around a small reservoir where the road changes names to Glenview Drive. The route then makes a right hairpin turn up Ashland Loop Rd (aka 2060) which becomes paved briefly as it crosses Terrace St and for a few hundred yards after. Then, at the top of Morton St, Ashland Loop Rd turns right and becomes a dirt road again. Aside from name changes, you have basically made only one road change, from Winburn/Granite/Glenview to Ashland Loop Rd. Once on Ashland Loop Road, you will pass through an aid station at White Rabbit (approx 4.2 miles) and another at Four Corners (approx 6.5 miles). At Four Corners, the route goes up on RD 2080 until the aid station at BullGap Trail (approx 10.5 miles) where you will be directed to turn right on a single track trail (BullGap Trail) up to the Mt Ashland Lodge. From the aid station near the lodge parking lot, you proceed up to the summit via ski runs and snowcat trails. You are aiming for the big white ball at the summit. Please avoid the rock boulders on the left on the way up.

Is this course chalked?
All major turns are chalked or manned by aid station personnel.

How do you get from Mt Ashland ski lodge to the top of Mt Ashland?
This year we will have essentially one route. You aim for the big white ball at the top of the mountain. There are several ski runs and snowcat tracks that may be used to get there.

Can I start early?
No. All participants start at 7:30 AM.

But, what if I really want to start early?
You will be disqualified.

You're mean. I just want to give myself extra time to complete the course.
While we understand the rationale for starting earlier, we have several problems with this, including your safety. If for some reason (like a fire or some other emergency), we need to know who has entered the course. Rerouting the course has happened before, by the way.

Do I have to wear my race number?
Yes. We may keep track of you by noting your race number at aid stations, plus it helps identify you to other participants. If we can't see your race number, you may not be listed in the results.

Will the race be cancelled if the weather is really nasty at the top of the mountain?
If visibility is really poor or it is snowing or extremely windy or extremely cold and wet, we may elect to have the finish at the ski area parking lot instead of the top of the mountain. This has never happened to our knowledge.

Can I have extra clothing brought up to the summit?
Yes, you can have a bag brought up to the summit. NOTE: the summit is the very top; if you think you might only make it to the ski area parking lot, don't send up a bag. Please make sure your name is on the bag. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

How many aid stations are there?
There are four aid stations along the route and one at the summit.

What drinks and food are provided at the aid stations?
Generally we provide water and a Gatorade-type drink, fruit and sweet and salty snack items.

Can I have my own special drinks or food at the aid stations?
No. We may be able to recommend a personal catering service. :-)

Should I carry my own water or other drink and/or bring food?
This is a personal matter and will also depend on the weather conditions on race day. Some people choose to drink more frequently than the aid stations provided. Others skip most aid stations. If you have doubts, bring your own food and drink.

Are you giving t-shirts?
Yes. They are supposedly organic cotton and they are only available in men's sizes only: small, medium, large and extra large.

Am I eligible for drawing prizes even if I don’t finish?
Yes, but you must go to the ski area parking lot to pick them up.

How will I know if I won something in the drawing?
There is a board in the ski area parking lot that shows who won what. You can pick that prize up right then and there.

Who can win awards?
We are giving first place awards to male and female 10-year age group winners and overall male and female winners.

What clothing should I wear?
This is a personal matter and will also depend on the weather conditions on race day. Typical conditions at race start are 55-65 degrees. It may warm up on the way, but you will be in and out of shade. On Mt Ashland, the temperature may feel considerably cooler because of wind. The temperature at the lodge may range from 50-75 and at the summit, the temperature may feel another 10-20 degrees cooler because of wind chill.

What kind of shoes should I wear?
Most of the route is on dirt road or dirt single track trail and most conventional running shoes work just fine. The last bit up the hill is rather steep, but most people don’t run this and most conventional running shoes work just fine.

Will race organizers provide me with a ride from the top of Mt Ashland to the ski area parking lot?
We will try to provide rides for people, however the wait may be longer than it takes to walk back down.

Will the race organizers provide me with a ride back to Ashland?
No. You must find your own ride home. Many people share rides. If you do not have a ride, please notify a race official and we will try to help you find a ride.

Is there a restroom at Mt Ashland?
There are restrooms at the ski area rental building.

Where would a good place be for my friends, relatives, spouse, etc to watch?
The Mt Ashland Lodge parking lot is a great place. It has a fantastic view of Mt Shasta and allows you to see all the runners and walkers as they come by. DO NOT try to drive to the finish. Spectators going to the finish may result in a DNF for their runners.

How long will the run take?
This depends on the runner, of course, but a very fast time is just under 2 hours. Some people may take 5 hours to complete the distance. Remember the cut-off times (see the course). There is plenty of time for adequately fit people to finish the event.

What are the course records?
Men: Ric Sayre in approximately 1:42 (he won the Los Angeles Marathon that year too). 1986
Women: Evelyn Dong, 2:08:40 in 2008.

QUESTIONS?
Please check the links to the left first. If your question is not answered there, email the organizers.


Home Registration Course Sponsors Results Ashland FAQ Photos Contact	Frequently Asked Questions (with some less frequent, but real questions) Will you fill up/should I register early? Yes, it is highly likely we will fill all the spots the Forest Service allows us and therefore it is in your interest to register earlier rather than later. Is there a wait-list if the race fills? No. In talking with other race organizers, we found this to be fraught with peril. We're sorry. But all my training is for this race; you should let me enter. Lack of planning on your part does not constitute a cause for emergency action on ours. Can I use my friend's/spouse's entry? No. Can I trade my entry to someone else? No. Sorry. Your waiver is not valid for that person. Is this race hard? You bet your $200 running shoes it is. This event has reduced some of the area's best runners into quivering masses of jello. Can I stop part-way? You can stop at the lodge aid station, but any where else is really a bad idea because the course is quite remote. Our aid station personnel won't be leaving until their stint is over and they may not have much room in their vehicles. Please be prepared to run or walk at least to the lodge in the time allotted. How come all your pictures have smiling people? Some of those people are hypoxic and they probably couldn't tell you who the current president is. Also, we don't show the photos of people being miserable. Where can I pick up my race packet? Pick up your race packet the day before the race from 12-6pm at Rogue Valley Runners, 161 E. Main St, downtown Ashland, or on race-day after 6:30, but before 7:15 at the start area near the bottom of Lithia Park on Winburn Way near the Plaza in downtown Ashland. When does race-day race desk open? 6:30 AM Can I register the day of the race? No. Is there a separate start for slower runners/walkers? No. Everyone starts at 7:30. Why is the cost $24 this year? Several reasons. For the last 7 years or so we have held the entry to $20. This year, the event is no longer associated with the City of Ashland, so we now pay for our own event insurance and registration costs. In the last few years, everyone from the Forest Service to the Mt Ashland ski area has been assessing us fees. It is appropriate that we pay these--no issue there, but it adds up. We think we're still pretty good value. Can I arrange it so that my name doesn't appear in the results? No. Are there entry fee refunds? No. There are no entry fee refunds, regardless of circumstances. Sorry. Are you the party of no? No. If I can't make it, can you mail me the t-shirts and other stuff? No, and if you ask, we will digitally laugh at you. :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) Where is the start of the race? The race begins in downtown Ashland at the upper end of the plaza at the base of Lithia Park on Winburn Way. There is a frequently headless statue of Abraham Lincoln there. It is adjacent to the Elizabethan Theater. Is there a restroom near the start. Yes, there are restrooms by the creek, about 100 feet from the start area. See, we answer yes to all kinds of questions. What is the race route? See the Course page. The race begins in downtown Ashland at the upper end of the plaza at the base of Lithia Park on Winburn Way and proceeds on Winburn Way through Lithia Park to Granite Street. Granite Street becomes a dirt road and wraps around a small reservoir where the road changes names to Glenview Drive. The route then makes a right hairpin turn up Ashland Loop Rd (aka 2060) which becomes paved briefly as it crosses Terrace St and for a few hundred yards after. Then, at the top of Morton St, Ashland Loop Rd turns right and becomes a dirt road again. Aside from name changes, you have basically made only one road change, from Winburn/Granite/Glenview to Ashland Loop Rd. Once on Ashland Loop Road, you will pass through an aid station at White Rabbit (approx 4.2 miles) and another at Four Corners (approx 6.5 miles). At Four Corners, the route goes up on RD 2080 until the aid station at BullGap Trail (approx 10.5 miles) where you will be directed to turn right on a single track trail (BullGap Trail) up to the Mt Ashland Lodge. From the aid station near the lodge parking lot, you proceed up to the summit via ski runs and snowcat trails. You are aiming for the big white ball at the summit. Please avoid the rock boulders on the left on the way up. Is this course chalked? All major turns are chalked or manned by aid station personnel. How do you get from Mt Ashland ski lodge to the top of Mt Ashland? This year we will have essentially one route. You aim for the big white ball at the top of the mountain. There are several ski runs and snowcat tracks that may be used to get there. Can I start early? No. All participants start at 7:30 AM. But, what if I really want to start early? You will be disqualified. You're mean. I just want to give myself extra time to complete the course. While we understand the rationale for starting earlier, we have several problems with this, including your safety. If for some reason (like a fire or some other emergency), we need to know who has entered the course. Rerouting the course has happened before, by the way. Do I have to wear my race number? Yes. We may keep track of you by noting your race number at aid stations, plus it helps identify you to other participants. If we can't see your race number, you may not be listed in the results. Will the race be cancelled if the weather is really nasty at the top of the mountain? If visibility is really poor or it is snowing or extremely windy or extremely cold and wet, we may elect to have the finish at the ski area parking lot instead of the top of the mountain. This has never happened to our knowledge. Can I have extra clothing brought up to the summit? Yes, you can have a bag brought up to the summit. NOTE: the summit is the very top; if you think you might only make it to the ski area parking lot, don't send up a bag. Please make sure your name is on the bag. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items. How many aid stations are there? There are four aid stations along the route and one at the summit. What drinks and food are provided at the aid stations? Generally we provide water and a Gatorade-type drink, fruit and sweet and salty snack items. Can I have my own special drinks or food at the aid stations? No. We may be able to recommend a personal catering service. :-) Should I carry my own water or other drink and/or bring food? This is a personal matter and will also depend on the weather conditions on race day. Some people choose to drink more frequently than the aid stations provided. Others skip most aid stations. If you have doubts, bring your own food and drink. Are you giving t-shirts? Yes. They are supposedly organic cotton and they are only available in men's sizes only: small, medium, large and extra large. Am I eligible for drawing prizes even if I don’t finish? Yes, but you must go to the ski area parking lot to pick them up. How will I know if I won something in the drawing? There is a board in the ski area parking lot that shows who won what. You can pick that prize up right then and there. Who can win awards? We are giving first place awards to male and female 10-year age group winners and overall male and female winners. What clothing should I wear? This is a personal matter and will also depend on the weather conditions on race day. Typical conditions at race start are 55-65 degrees. It may warm up on the way, but you will be in and out of shade. On Mt Ashland, the temperature may feel considerably cooler because of wind. The temperature at the lodge may range from 50-75 and at the summit, the temperature may feel another 10-20 degrees cooler because of wind chill. What kind of shoes should I wear? Most of the route is on dirt road or dirt single track trail and most conventional running shoes work just fine. The last bit up the hill is rather steep, but most people don’t run this and most conventional running shoes work just fine. Will race organizers provide me with a ride from the top of Mt Ashland to the ski area parking lot? We will try to provide rides for people, however the wait may be longer than it takes to walk back down. Will the race organizers provide me with a ride back to Ashland? No. You must find your own ride home. Many people share rides. If you do not have a ride, please notify a race official and we will try to help you find a ride. Is there a restroom at Mt Ashland? There are restrooms at the ski area rental building. Where would a good place be for my friends, relatives, spouse, etc to watch? The Mt Ashland Lodge parking lot is a great place. It has a fantastic view of Mt Shasta and allows you to see all the runners and walkers as they come by. DO NOT try to drive to the finish. Spectators going to the finish may result in a DNF for their runners. How long will the run take? This depends on the runner, of course, but a very fast time is just under 2 hours. Some people may take 5 hours to complete the distance. Remember the cut-off times (see the course). There is plenty of time for adequately fit people to finish the event. What are the course records? Men: Ric Sayre in approximately 1:42 (he won the Los Angeles Marathon that year too). 1986 Women: Evelyn Dong, 2:08:40 in 2008. QUESTIONS? Please check the links to the left first. If your question is not answered there, email the organizers.