Through a special arrangement provided by Noble Mountain Tree Farm, we will use the heated Noble Mountain building for both pre-race and post-race activities.

Pre-Race: 

Packet Pickup and a warm, dry place to stretch out before the race. PLEASE NOTE: There is a capacity of 400 total participants across the three distances. IF we reach capacity before race day, there will be NO Day of Race Registration. Register early to save your spot!

Post-Race:

• Enjoy a complimentary 5-ounce pour from a selection of Eola-Amity wines (for those over 21 who wish to partake).
• Sparkling Cider option provided as well.
• Post-event race rolls from Great Harvest Bread Co.
• Fresh fruit from Roth's Fresh Markets.
• Age Group Ribbons for all three races.
• Win a coffee can of quarters! We re-enact the original entry fee + registration process.  (Remember to bring a quarter!)

Parking at Noble Mountain Tree Farm:

Plenty of parking is available at Noble Mountain Tree Farm on Bethel Heights Rd, adjacent to the Start/Finish Line. Bethel Heights Rd is a gravel road near the Noble Mountain property. Parking area pictured below (holds over 350 vehicles).

Please plan accordingly! Day of Race registration ends at 9:30am or when capacity of 400 participants is reached. The race will begin on time. Packet pickup will close promptly at 9:45am. Budget your time wisely.

Noble Mountain Tree Farm
5115 Bethel Heights Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304

Race participants and volunteers receive a unique stemless wine glass.

You can't hang it on a hook or around your neck. But you can use it all year, consume any beverage you like, and toast the oldest race in Oregon!

2024 design shown below!

LIMITED SIZES - ORDER TODAY!

Long-Sleeve unisex technical fabric race tee.  Size range: XS-XXL.

Please Note:  Race tees are not included in race price.  Cost: $30.00 each.  Approximate t-shirt color and 2024 logo pictured below. 

The Willamette Valley Road Runners Club (WVRR) is a member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). This race is fully insured, and we promise a safe and exciting race day. Read more about WVRR and what we do to support running events and high schools in the Willamette Valley. This event will help fund the West Salem High School Cross Country and Track & Field Programs.

3 Mile Route Description

The 3 Mile Route: Leaving the Noble Mountain Tree Farm parking lot, run east toward Bjornson Vineyard on Bethel Heights Rd to the turnaround at 1.5 miles and return to the start. Nearly all gravel road and packed dirt road surface.  A hilly out and back - with wine or other refreshment after you finish!

Link to MapMyRun 3 Mile course map, elevation, and description.

6 Mile Route Description

Leaving the Noble Mountain Tree Farm parking lot, run west on Bethel Heights Rd past Bryn Mawr Vineyards to a turnaround at Bethel Heights Winery at 1.5 miles. Return passing the start/finish at 3 miles and continue east on Bethel Heights Rd (gravel road) to the turnaround at 4.5 miles near Bjornson Vineyard and return to the start.

It's an out and back both ways, includes both paved and packed gravel road surface.  A hilly route - with wine or other refreshment after you finish!

Link to MapMyRun 6 Mile course map, elevation, and description.

15K Route Description

Since 1969, this 15k Loop has defined the Zena Road Runs. Are you up for the challenge? This is the OLDEST race route in Oregon. The start/finish is at Noble Mountain Tree Farm. 

Link to MapMyRun 15k course map, elevation, and description

You must be able to complete the course in 2 hours or less (12:40 per mile average). We kindly ask your cooperation with the time restriction set in place by the Polk County permit that the race must abide by.

This course provides all the challenge and beauty of running in Oregon Wine Country. The route passes several different wineries and a number of the most famous vineyards in the Eola - Amity Hills AVA.

Timing will be from Athletic Timing. For questions, please contact andrew@athletictiming.net.

A Bit of History:

In 1969, a number of runners - mostly Willamette University Cross Country and Track runners - lined up for the first annual Zena Road Run at the corner of Zena Road and Spring Valley Road. Head Coach, Dr. Charles J. Bowles (Chuck), wanted to create an event that would test his student-athletes and provide a road race for the local running community.

There was a race fee - day of race registration only: Toss a quarter - yes, $0.25 - in a coffee can and line up. There was official timing: Coach Bowles hand-held analog stopwatch recorded every runner's time. There were official results: Hand-written on a clipboard and typed up later at Willamette University. Results were mailed out to all finishers. First class postage was only $.06, so the race fee covered it easily.

A few things have changed in the last 53+ years. Well . . . more than a few things. These hills were covered more in Christmas Tree farms back then. There were no vineyards. But this race and it's 9-Mile+ loop have endured. It remains a challenge to any runners willing to give it their best effort.

Chuck lived in the area. Much of the current route was a common "Sunday morning training run" during the off-season for his athletes. The training runs always finished with a big breakfast cooked up and served by Chuck and his wife, Barbara, at their home. Dr. Bowles ran this route himself for many years and loved this area. Dr. Charles Bowles passed away on December 30, 2005, but his name and memory will be forever connected to the Zena Road Runs.