Rogue Gorge

Participants will gather early on race morning at various points along Union Creek, where temperatures hover around 13°C with an average wind speed of 7.2 km/h and humidity levels reaching up to 79%. The setting is typically overcast, offering a cool respite from the heat as runners prepare for their respective distances. Trails are expected to be firm underfoot but may show some softness due to recent precipitation in the area.
Since its inception, this race has grown significantly each year, drawing hundreds of participants who come not only for the challenging course and breathtaking views but also for the historical significance of the landscape itself. The Rogue Gorge is part of a larger geologic narrative shaped by volcanic eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago in Crater Lake National Park. This rich history lends an educational element to what would otherwise be just another scenic trail run.
The race course winds through singletrack trails hugging the bluffs above the Upper Rogue River, providing runners with stunning vistas at every turn. The 50 Miler is a point-to-point route that traverses nearly all of these paths over two days from October 17th to 18th, featuring 4 aid stations along its length and covering significant elevation changes. For those seeking a more manageable distance on the same terrain, there’s also the new addition this year: the 50K race which follows largely similar but shorter trails with four strategically placed aid stations.
Weather conditions during the event period typically involve mild temperatures ranging from an average of 13°C to extremes as low as 7.8°C and high up to 18.4°C, making for comfortable running without excessive heat or cold challenges. With an expected rainfall amounting to about 2.4 millimeters over the course of October, trail conditions remain firm but may soften slightly in spots due to moisture retention.
Runners can register via [https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=132413](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=132413) for the 50 Miler at $205.00, the 50K race costing $155.00, a Half Marathon priced at $100.00 or a more accessible 12K option set at $75.00. Bib pickup will occur on October 16th from noon to midnight and again on event day starting early morning before the start times.
Bib collection requires participants to show valid identification such as a driver’s license or passport alongside proof of purchase for their respective race entries; no additional documents are necessary unless under age eighteen, in which case parental consent is required. The Union Creek Amphitheater & Picnic Shelter serves both as the starting point and venue for pre-race events like briefings and packet pick-up.
The Rogue Gorge event in Union Creek, Oregon on October 17th offers runners a unique opportunity to experience Southern Oregon’s volcanic landscapes along scenic trails while supporting local conservation efforts through participation fees. This race is more than just another run; it's an adventure into the heart of geological history accessible only here and nowhere else.