Where's Waldo 100K Ultramarathon Information

Where's Waldo 100K Ultramarathon

Race Information

9th annual - August 21, 2010
updated 2/2/2010

WHEN: Saturday, August 21, 2010. Start time will be 5:00am, in the dark. Early start will be 3:00am for those expecting to run more than 16 hours.
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.
CO-RACE DIRECTORS: Craig Thornley and Curt Ringstad
AID/DROP BAGS: Aid stations will be from 4.9 to 7.5 miles apart. Normal ultra food and beverages will be available at all aid stations. Drop bags will be available at several aid stations. 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. See the course page for details on locations, parking, etc..
CUTOFFS: Finisher hats go to those who finish before 9:00pm. That is 16 hours from the 5:00am start, 18 from the 3:00am early start. If you don't think you will finish under 16 hours you should use the early start. There are only 3 cutoffs: Charlton Lake, Rd 4290, and The Twins. The cutoff times are not intended to be a pacing guide. If you arrive at an aid station after the cutoff time you will not be allowed to continue.
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 climb two peaks over 7300', you must be able and prepared to take care of yourself in the mountains.
SHIRTS: Sporthill shirts.
AWARDS:

Sporthill running hat to all runners who finish before 9:00pm.
An outdoor gear prize will be awarded to the first person 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 9:00pm. 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 will be $250 provided by Sunsweet, a free entry into the 2011 race, and the crazy perpetual hat that you must return in 2011 with your unique contribution added.
The following prize money, courtesy of Sunsweet, will be given to the top male and female finishers:

Open Male/Female $Amount

1st place $500

2nd place $295

Masters Male/Female $Amount

1st place $150

2nd place $100
Early starters will be given a minimum time of 16 hours for Oregon Trail Series scoring.

MONTRAIL ULTRACUP: The race was the first in the 2009-2010 UltraCup Series. The 2010-2011 Series has yet to be announced but we expect to be in the series and will update this page as soon as we hear. To be eligible for series prizes, runners must register online with Montrail within two weeks of finishing the race. For the 2009-2010 season the series consists of 11 races ranging from 50k to 100 miles. You will be counted as a series participant and your score will make you eligible for the Ultra Cup if you finish at least 2 races. First two men and women finishers at the 2009 race earned automatic entry into the 2010 Western States 100.
PACERS:Runners may be accompanied by a pacer beginning at Charlton Lake to the finish. We will not be tracking pacers and they are responsible for their own transportation. Pacers may take food and fluids at the aid stations as available.
CHECK-IN: At the lodge Friday, August 20, 4:30pm to 9:00pm and morning of race, beginning at 2:30am.
PRE RACE BRIEFING: At the lodge Friday, August 20, 7:00pm.
POST RACE BBQ: We will have a post-race BBQ at the lodge after the race.
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 or Hoodoo, the operator of those 4 campgrounds for more infomation. 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:
- Willamette Pass Area (less than 10 miles from start of race)
- Town of Oakridge (27 miles west)
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!
Click here to see the ODOT Willamette Pass RoadCam

August 18, 2007 Sun Data (for Eugene, OR)
Begin Civil Twilight	5:48am
Sunrise	6:19am
Sunset	8:12pm
End Civil Twilight	8:43pm

Open Male/Female	$Amount
1st place	$500
2nd place	$295
Masters Male/Female	$Amount
1st place	$150
2nd place	$100