Race Info

Aug 3, 2024

Last updated: January 15, 2024 at 7:51 am

  • WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. Start time is at 4:00 a.m., in the dark.
  • WHERE: Race begins and ends at Willamette Pass Ski Area in the Oregon Cascades. This is 70 miles southeast of Eugene, Oregon on Highway 58. To get there from I-5 take the Highway 58 exit just south of Eugene and drive east.
  • RACE DIRECTOR: The race is owned by Waldo Ultras, a non-profit organization, and is operated as a fundraiser for the Willamette Pass Ski Patrol and the local search and rescue and HAM radio groups. For questions please email race director: Craig Thornley
  • AID/DROP BAGS: Aid stations are 4.9 to 7.5 miles apart. Normal ultra food and beverages are available at all aid stations. Drop bag service is available at Fuji Mtn, Mt Ray, Charlton, Rd 4290. Drop bags must be delivered to the start/finish by 9:00 pm on Friday night. Other than the Waldo Lake Rd crossing at the Fuji Trailhead (mile 7.5), crew members may only provide aid to runners at aid stations.
  • CUPLESS: We are a cupless race. Please bring your own reusable cup or use your bottle.
  • CUTOFFS: Finisher hats go to those who finish before 10:00 p.m. (18 hours). There are only 3 cutoffs:
    • Charlton Lake (2:00 p.m.)
    • Rd 4290 (3:15 p.m.)
    • The Twins (5:30 p.m.)

These cutoff times are not intended to be a pacing guide. You must leave the aid station before the cutoff.

  • QUALIFICATIONS: Runners must have completed at least one trail 50K or longer race within the last two years. This is a fairly hard mountain ultra. While the junctions are very well-marked, expect to run for miles without assurance ribbons. Since the last 24 miles are remote (but with three well-stocked aid stations) and include a climb of Maiden Peak which is over 7800′, you must be able and prepared to take care of yourself in the mountains.
  • AWARDS:
    • Running hat to all runners who finish before 10:00 p.m.
    • An outdoor gear prize will be awarded to the male and female to Find Waldo and finish. That is, the first runner to reach the summit of Fuji Mtn (13.7 miles into the race) where Waldo Lake can be seen for the first time. That runner must also finish the race. Early starters are not eligible for this award.
    • The Wet Waldo, which will also be an outdoor gear prize, will be given to the runner who swims in the most lakes and finishes before 10:00 p.m. There are six possible lakes: Charlton, Found, Maiden, N. Rosary, Middle Rosary, Lower Rosary. Early starters are eligible for this award.
    • Show us Your Waldo This subjective award is judged by the aid stations. Each aid station will get one vote for the runner who shows or has the most or best Waldo. Early starters are eligible for this award. Prize is a free entry into the 2024 race, and the crazy perpetual hat that you must return in 2024 with your unique contribution added.
  • PACERS: Runners may be accompanied by a pacer beginning at Charlton Lake to the finish. We do not track pacers and they are responsible for their own transportation. Pacers may take food and fluids at the aid stations as available. No muling. Pacers must come into and leave aid stations with their runner.
  • CHECK-IN: At the lodge, Willamette Pass Ski Resort, Friday, Aug. 2nd, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and morning of race, beginning at 2:30 a.m.
  • PRE RACE BRIEFING: 7 p.m. at the lodge, Willamette Pass Ski Resort, Friday, Aug. 2nd.
  • POST RACE: There will be post-race food and beer at the lodge after the race beginning at 3 p.m. and continuing until the last runner and volunteer come in.
  • CAMPING: Several campgrounds exist in the area, including 3 at Waldo Lake, and one at Gold Lake, which the course passes through about 10 miles into the race. At this time of year the campgrounds could be crowded, so arrive early and reserve your spot.  See Middle Fork Ranger District for more information. Gold Lake is very convenient and about 2 miles from the start, but camping at Waldo Lake is pleasant.  There will also be a free camping area near the nordic center at Willamette Pass. You can also sleep in your vehicle at the Pass.
  • LODGING:If you’re not into camping, there are also several lodging opportunities in the area.   Wherever you stay, please let them know that you are running the race. Here are some lodging opportunities:
  • HIKING POLES: We are ok with the use of poles just please be mindful of those around you.
  • HEADPHONES: While we don’t necessarily think it is a good idea to wear them, we have RRCA insurance which doesn’t prohibit the use of headphones or ipods or any electronic device.
  • WEATHER: August is one of the ideal weather months in Western Oregon. Winter is a ways off, but we can get a storm that drops snow on the course. Depending on the snowpack and melt, the mosquitoes should be dying off. In July and sometimes August, they might drive you crazy. DEET will be your friend. The nights should be cool with lows in the 40’s or 50’s and daytime temps in the 60’s or 70’s. It should be sunny and beautiful, but it could be raining or snowing, especially at the higher elevations of the course, or it could be very hot. It could be as cold as the 20’s and as high as the 80’s or even the 90’s. Hypothermia is a real possibility so make sure you bring lots of warm and dry clothing. No Cotton! It is worthless in the mountains!