I’m running the marathon at Pacific Crest this weekend, can anyone give me an overview of the course?
Many thanks!!!
Totally flat, maybe 100 ft change for the distance. Half shady, half sunny, but it looks like gloomy day, so probably all cloudy. On a bike path around the resort, fairly pleasant place to run with some scenery. 2 loops.
NOT totally flat. This statement is not accurate. The course is two loops of the Sunriver complex almost entirely on bike path. There is a reasonable hill (especially considering you are at 4500’) at the beginning of each lap. It’s not a killer, but it will get your attention, just ask the Half IM people who have done it. The remainder of the loop is relatively flat and somewhat winding in direction. There is a moderate grade about half way through the loop, but again not too difficult. Very pretty along the river as you run in a game refuge. The halfway point goes right through the Sunriver Mall pati, shopping area. Nice event. Bring Sunscreen. Typically, non Oregonians who forget this is the East side of the Cascades and don’t realize you are in a High Desert climate, get a lot of sun exposure.
A 100’ is totally flat over 26.2 miles. I’ve done the half plenty of times and will again on Saturday. It is the flattest course I have ever run, flatter than Sauvie. There is no reasonable hill any where on the course, even by Iowa standards. Steepest grade might by 1.5%.