This triathlon is a perfect distance for the novice or veteran triathlete. It's short enough that anyone can finish it, and for those who are more experienced, you can push the pace and work on your speed. The starting times for the males and females have been separated with ladies first. The course starts with a fast, down current half mile swim in the beautiful Columbia River. Novice swimmers can feel comfortable knowing the edge is just a few feet away in the event they get tired. After the swim comes a 12.5 mile bike ride along flat, quiet country roads. You'll finish with a three mile flat out and back run on paved trails.

The Girlfriends & Dudes Triathlon is a great course for spectators to watch the swim, the run and the finish from the park. They will also enjoy post-race activities that include music, food, volleyball, and vendors. In addition, the event benefits the Janus Youth Programs, which has been changing lives and building futures for children, youth and families in Oregon and Washington since 1972. From residential treatment programs, to homeless youth services, to alternative education classrooms, Janus is committed to delivering innovative community-based programs.

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Get ready for one of the steepest races in the country! The Mt. Ashland Hill Climb has the second most elevation gain of any continuous hill climb in the continental US. The 13.3 mile race begins in downtown Ashland's beautiful Lithia Park (el 1900") and climbs all the way to the Mt. Ashland summit (el 7355"), for a total of 5,600' of climbing – over a vertical mile!

When you leave Lithia Park, you will run along some paved roads for a few hundred yards before hooking up onto RD 2080. Next you will work your way up past Four Corners and on to Bull Gap. After Bull Gap, the route becomes single track up to the Mt. Ashland Ski area. From the Mt. Ashland parking lot, the race has no prescribed route – you've got to find your own way to the top. If you happen to be the top male or female of the race, you will get your name on a surviving trophy of a mini keg of beer provided by the Standing Stone Brewing Company. Yes, the keg will be full and will reside at Standing Stone until next year's race for all to see. Make sure you claim your bragging rights!

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The coast is one of Oregon's most scenic treasures and now you can be part of a run that takes place entirely on the beach! Choose from a 10k run or a 5k run/walk. Both courses start at the base of Laneda Avenue in Manzanita and proceed south towards the jetty. The 10k runners will run 3.1 miles out and back for a total of 6.2 miles. The 5k runners/walkers will only go as a far as 1.55 miles south on the beach for a total of 3.1 miles. Cape Lookout to the south and Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain to the north provide inspiring vistas in both directions.

Entertainment and refreshments will be served for race participants at the finish line. As soon as possible, overall winners will be announced. Random drawings for prizes generously donated by local merchants will also be held throughout the morning. Special awards will be given to the first place male and female finishers in the 5k and 10k runs. Recognition of other runners and walkers will also be made at this time.

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For those of you who don't find marathons challenging enough, the Where's Waldo 100k Ultramarathon should do the trick. The course is openly described as "not easy" and is 97% on single-track trails with more than 11,000' of elevation gain and equal amount of loss. There are three major climbs of more than 2000' each and two minor climbs of more than 1000' each. On the bright side, the course offers breathtaking views from multiple peaks.

Even though this is a fairly serious race (all participants must have completed at least one trail 50k or longer within the last two years), there are still some comical aspects involved. If you're the first to "find Waldo", or the first to reach the summit of Fuji Mountain, which is where Waldo Lake can be seen for the first time, you will receive an outdoor gear prize. Then there is the "Wet Waldo" award given to the runner who swims in the most lakes – there are six possibilities. Even if you don't win one of these prizes, there is a tasty post-race BBQ at the lodge for all runners.

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Join Run for Congo Women for a powerful day on Lower Macleay and Wildwood trails while celebrating their solidarity for the courageous women of Congo. As a benefit for Women for Women International's Congo Program, this event raises funds to support Congolese woman and children, who face some of the worst conditions on the planet while rebuilding their lives after Africa's "First World War". Choose from a three or nine mile walk or run, but either way, the course will have you winding alongside trickling streams and wildflowers in the beautiful Forest Park.

The goal is to raise money and awareness about the Women for Women Congo Program. All donations go towards sponsoring a Congolese "sister" for just $27 a month for one year. This woman then receives monthly cash to help her family survive, a network of emotional support to heal her war trauma, and training and seed money to start a small business. Ask your family and friends to sponsor! Bring them to cheer you on and learn more about how you can make a difference at the finish line celebration.

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