McKenzie River Trail Run

The McKenzie River Trail Run takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 7:00 AM, starting at Carmen Reservoir off Highway 126 in Blue River, Oregon. This 31-mile (50K) race on one of the prettiest trails in America traces the McKenzie River past two spectacular waterfalls, Clear Lake, lava flows, old growth forest, log bridges, and the aquamarine Tamolitch Pool where the river flows from an underground lava tube.

Event Logistics & Participant Information:

• Registration Opens: January 1, 2026 (midnight). Closes June 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT. First come, first served with waitlist.
• Registration Fee: Includes shuttle to start and from finish.
• Volunteer Priority Registration: Volunteers receive priority registration for the following year (December registration before public opening). Contact [email protected].
• Cancellation Policy: Cancellations before April 15 receive 50% refund. Registration not transferable to another runner or year. Pregnancy-related cancellations: contact [email protected].
• Cutoffs: Enforced starting at aid station #2 (approx mile 11.5). Cut runners must give bib to race official. Cutoffs for runner and volunteer safety.
• Drop Bags: Available for delivery to Aid Station #3 at mile 16.7. Drop at shuttle pickup on race morning.
• Cupless Event: No disposable cups at aid stations or finish line. Bring reusable cup/flask/bottle. Limited cups available for purchase ($2 cash) at packet pickup.
• Shuttle: Race start and finish are 20 miles apart. Finish is 15 miles from McKenzie Community Track. Shuttle included in entry fee.
• Race Updates: Details emailed after registration closes. Check mrtr.org and Facebook for updates.
• Permit: Operated under special use permit from Willamette National Forest. Equal opportunity provider.
• Weather Cancellation: If event cancellation is forced beyond organizer control, notification provided as soon as possible.

Swag, Awards & Community:

• Included Swag: Post-race catered lunch and drinks, pre-race coffee/bagels/muffins, finisher's prize bottle of specialty brewed Alesong beverage (award-winning).
• Age Group Awards: First male, female, and non-binary in each age group (29 & under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+).
• Overall Awards: First, second, third male, female, and non-binary. Open winners not eligible for age group awards.
• Event History: 38th annual running — Oregon's oldest continuous ultramarathon (since 1988).
• Non-Profit Support: Net proceeds support McKenzie Bridge area non-profits. Event supports local businesses and products.
• Scenic Highlights: Clear Lake (pristine), Koosah Falls, Tamolitch Pool (aquamarine blue), lava flows, old growth forest, numerous log bridges.
• Course Start: Short gravel section, then Waterfalls Trail, around Clear Lake to Santiam Wagon Road, then 21 miles downriver to finish across from McKenzie River Ranger Station.
• Storm Contingency: Winter storm damage possible. Organizers work with Ranger District to find safe alternative course if needed. Final route announced week or two before event.

The McKenzie River Trail Run on June 13, 2026, in Blue River, Oregon, is Oregon's oldest continuous ultramarathon — 31 technically challenging miles past waterfalls, lava flows, old growth forest, and the underground-fed Tamolitch Pool on one of America's prettiest trails.