Mt. Hood Meadows will host an uphill race Saturday, August 16, the first summer event in the resort’s 46-year history.

Meadows recently received approval from the Mt. Hood National Forest officials to host summer events after years of trying. Meadows spokesman Dave Tragethon said, “Saturday’s Uphill Challenge is somewhat symbolic of the challenge we’ve had to get summer operations approved, and the inaugural run will be a great way to celebrate what we will be able to do in the future.”

Here’s how Dave’s press release describes the event:

The 1.2 mile course starts at the resort’s main parking lot and will finish at the top of the Stadium chairlift – a 621 foot elevation gain. The course will follow a gravel mountain road – it is not a mountain obstacle course. Following the finish competitors will ride the Stadium chair down (alleviating the knee punishment downhill running can cause.)
 
Course records will be kept for each age category – starting at ages 5 to 9, and increasing by 5 years all the way to 100+. Prize money will be awarded for the fastest overall Male and Female finishers. Event fee is just $20 for adults and $10 for ages 14 and under, and includes a free chairlift ride down from the finish. The race starts at 10 AM, but registration and bib pick up opens at 8 AM.
 
The Stadium chair will operate for scenic rides Saturdays August 16 and 23 from 10 AM – 2 PM (at $10 a ride) and the Sun Deck BBQ will be open from 11 AM – 3 PM, offering pulled pork, hot dogs, tofu dogs, beer and wine and other refreshments for sale.

Last modified: August 13, 2014