#45 - McDonald Forest 50k 2008

DATE: May 10, 2008
LOCATION: McDonald Forest near Albany, Oregon

Once again, I took on another race from the Oregon Trail Ultramarathon Series. This time it was the McDonald Forest 50k. With this race, I just wanted to finish. It's a 50k with 6,700 feet of climbing. It's by far the most difficult 50k in Oregon. I drove down in the morning, as it's only about one hour and 45 minute drive.

I started this race with a pack of runners and realized I maybe running a bit fast. I was running 8-9 minute miles for most of the first 9 miles and then the big climbs hit and I had to walk up the hills, but ran down the hills. It was so much fun. I enjoyed the roller coaster like downhills. Some of the views were amazing. A few of the aid stations had very cleaver themes which was fun.

I finished with a time of 5:32 which was faster than I was expecting. With the climbing I was amazed.