The Elkhorn Relay returns to La Grande, Oregon on August 8th, 2026, offering runners an epic adventure through Eastern Oregon’s stunning landscapes with their six-person relay teams. This year marks the event's eleventh running in Hilgard Junction State Park, where racers will embark on an 85-mile journey along old Highway 244 and scenic gravel roads.
On race morning, participants gather at Hilgard Junction State Park before dawn to begin their trek southward alongside the Grande Ronde River. The early hours of August typically bring a cool breeze with temperatures around 13 degrees Celsius as runners set off on the initial stretches of paved road. As teams progress into later sections, they transition onto challenging gravel roads that wind through rugged terrain and climb towards towering peaks such as Elkhorn Mountain.
Each year since its inception in 2016, the ELKHORN RELAY has attracted hundreds of relay enthusiasts who come to test their limits on this demanding course. The event supports local causes while fostering a sense of community among runners eager to push themselves through Eastern Oregon’s diverse and breathtaking terrain. Over six teammates will face over 6,000 feet of elevation gain during the journey.
The Elkhorn Relay covers a total distance of 85 miles with significant climbs and traverses across various terrains including paved roads near Hilgard Junction State Park and challenging gravel paths deep into mountainous areas. Racers experience an array of elevations starting from lower river valleys to reaching altitudes above 7,400 feet at Anthony Lakes Resort.
Weather in La Grande during early August averages around 20 degrees Celsius with occasional morning chill dropping temperatures as low as 13 degrees and rising up to a maximum of approximately 28 degrees by afternoon. The humidity tends to remain moderate at roughly 52%, while there is an average rainfall of about 1.3 millimeters, typically distributed evenly throughout the day without significant precipitation risks.
The ELKHORN RELAY features one primary distance option: A relay race covering a total of eighty point six miles for teams consisting of six members.
80.6M 6Man Team
Start: 04:00:00 • Fee: $550.00
Teams interested in participating can register early at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=132743. Early registration costs $500 from November 21, 2025 to January 31, 2026; regular registration is available for $550 between February 1 and May 31, 2026, with late registrations accepted until July 11th at an increased fee of $600. Bib pickup details will be communicated via email closer to the event date, typically providing instructions on when (usually a week before) and where (often Hilgard Junction State Park or nearby community center) teams should collect their race materials.
The start location for all teams is Hilgard Junction State Park in La Grande, Oregon, with age requirements set at 18 years old. Participants are advised to arrive prepared with proper footwear suitable for both paved roads and challenging trail conditions, as well as hydration systems capable of sustaining them across the full distance.
Elkhorn Relay in La Grande on August 8th offers a unique opportunity for relay teams to challenge themselves over an extensive course through some of Oregon's most captivating backcountry terrain. The event is a testament to Eastern Oregon’s natural beauty and provides memorable experiences that keep runners coming back year after year.
