There is a new ultra in town, and it goes by the name of the Ultimook 50k. I am so excited for this race. While my calendar is booked this year, I am absolutely putting this on my calendar in ink for next year.
The Ultimook 50k is a brand-new race. There is also a 30k option for those that don’t want to do the full 50k. It is the brain child of Pat Zweifel. I have participated in his 3 Capes Relay the past two years. He knows how to put on a fun and challenging race. Zweifel is the cross-country coach for Tillamook High School, as well as the host of the Ultimook Running Camp every year on his hydrangea farm.
The race will start at Zweifel’s hydrangea ranch along the Kilchis River – it will climb into the coastal range above the Tillamook area. The elevation gain is crazy – the 30k climbing nearly 4,000 feet and the 50k with a 6,500-foot climb. This is sure to make those legs and lungs burn.
These are serious trails made up of old logging roads and naturally made elk paths. The route takes you to three different peaks, and along the Tillamook Ridge. Between the elevation gain and the views of Tillamook Bay and the Pacific Ocean, you should barely have breath left when you are done.
Hopefully there should be some good wildlife sightings as well. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, or perhaps Bigfoot.
All of the proceeds go to the Tillamook high school cross-country team. Running this race won’t be just a ton of fun, your registration fee will go to a great cause – funding the love of running in our youth.
The race happens on July 8th, 2018 at 8 am. Registration closes July 5th, 2018.
Click here to register and learn more on the Ultimook 50k website. But beware – the photos alone might have you drooling.
I’m so disappointed I won’t be able to run this race during its inaugural year. If you run it – let me know how it was!
