Astoria/Cannon Beach 50 Mile Run

The idea for this run came up between two friends, both trail runners, who were looking to complete their first 50-mile runs. Rather than paying the large sign-up fees to register for a more commercial race, they decided to map out their own route and run it in a non-competitive manner. The Astoria-Cannon Beach 50-mile run is the idea that a few friends and runners can get together and spend a day running across forest trails and coastal beaches.

***In the interest of encouraging people to participate, we will do our best to mark 10K, half-marathon, and marathon distances.***

The Route:
We would have liked the entire route to be on trails, but there aren’t enough of them to cover a 50-mile course. So the route will begin on the Riverwalk in Astoria and cover road, forest trails, coastal packed sand, and pedestrian promenade (containing somewhere in the area of 1500′ of total elevation climbing) before ending in front of Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. Maps will be handed out at the beginning of the run and the route will be marked.

Support:
Part of the idea is to make this less of a race environment and more of a self-supported casual long-distance run, where anyone up for the challenge is welcome to join! In lieu of sign-up fees, we are hoping that all those who participate can contribute to the race. This can be in the form of setting up an un-manned aid station somewhere along the course, or maybe making DIY screenprinted shirts or stationing a supporter to take digital photographs to give to those who are participating. We will do our best to post an updated number of participants on the Information For The Day Of The Run page so contributors know what to expect.

Stuff You Need To Know:
This is not an official organized race. This is an extremely casual run. And though everyone interested in encouraged to participate, some important details are that there is no medical crew or dedicated vehicles. Runners participate at their own risk, and are responsible for being able to contact and organize their own aid and transportation in the event of a medical emergency, or not finishing. We’ve created a route that stays near roads for ease of access and aid station set-up/takedown. Because of the informal aid stations, drop bags can be left at stations by the runners at their own risk. Pacers are welcome, though transportation arrangements are also the responsibility of each individual runner/pacer. There are also no timing chips, so if you’re set on keeping your exact time, that will also be the runner’s individual responsibility.