Thunder River 50K
October 31, 2026
50K
The 50K course offers a stunning, scenic tour through the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The course is a lollipop-loop style route. The race includes four aid stations, with two offering crew access.
Beginning at Marine Park, the course travels through town, under Bridge of the Gods onto the State Historic Trail, then is mostly along big sections of the Gorge 400 Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, then a super sweet 11.5 mile clockwise loop using some really cool newly constructed trails heading toward the Wyeth zone. Iconic locations seen along the route include Pacific Crest Falls, the Herman Creek pinnacles, Bridge of the Gods, Thunder Island and countless viewscapes across the mighty Columbia River. World-class scenery, incredible trails and some epic waterfalls await along this challenging but runnable course!
The 50K course trails feature a variety of surface types, primarily rocky, somewhat technical singletrack mixed with some smooth dirt singletrack sections. The course is generally very runnable, with many punchy hill climbs and some very rocky technical sections, especially through the many open talus slopes. There are some intermittent sections of paved pedestrian/bike path in the back half of the course to connect some of the main trail segments.
Race Day Schedule
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Bib Pickup & Check-In Opens: 6:45AM inside Marine Park Pavilion
Start Time: 8:00AM at Wyeth Trailhead
Cut Offs:
12:15PM at Aid Station 2, mile 15.6
1:40PM at Aid Station 3, mile 20.9
3:20PM at Aid Station 4, mile 27.1
4:30PM at the Finish Line (8.5 hours)
Course Map
Elevation Change
The course includes approximately 4,500’ of elevation gain and 4,500’ of loss over 31.3 miles.
Aid Stations
The 50K includes four aid stations staffed with enthusiastic, experienced volunteers. All aid stations will be well stocked with: Neversecond gels and hydration drink, water, soda, PB&J sandwiches, cookies, various fresh fruit options, potato chips, gummi snacks, trail mix and a variety of other ultra fare and basic first aid supplies.
All Daybreak races are CUPLESS.
Be sure to bring your own reusable drinking vessel/cup for liquids such as soda at aid stations.
Most aid stations will also have medical personnel present with a full compliment of emergency response and first aid equipment.
| Aid Station | Distance (mi) | Segment (mi) | Crew | Drop Bag | Toilet | Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start - Marine Park | 0 | 9.6 | Yes | -- | Yes | -- |
| #1 - Peregrination | 9.6 | 6.0 | No | No | Yes | No |
| #2 - Wyeth | 15.6 | 5.3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 12:15PM |
| #3 - Peregrination (2) | 20.9 | 6.2 | No | No | No | 1:40PM |
| #4 - Cascade Locks | 27.1 | 4.2 | Yes | No | Yes | 3:20PM |
| Finish - Marine Park | 31.3 | -- | Yes | -- | Yes | 4:30PM |
Warm Ups
Runners may choose to leave their warmups inside the Marine Park Pavilion. We will have staff on site throughout the day, however leaving person items is at one’s own risk. Please do not leave any valuables.
Crew
Crew/supporters are welcome to come support their runner at Wyeth Aid Station (#2), Cascade Locks Aid Station (#4) and the Start and Finish area. No crew access is allowed at Peregrination Aid Station (#1 # 3).
Google Map Driving Directions from Marine Park staging area:
Wyeth Aid Station: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6EW1X1ir2wDjvffG6
Ensure the loop road through the trailhead is kept clear for 25K shuttle bus arrival and unloading of runners.
PARKING is allowed in designated parking stalls in the Wyeth Trailhead or along the Wyeth Road road shoulder only. DO NOT block 50K course markings or 50K runners using the road.
Cascade Locks Aid Station: https://goo.gl/maps/7AhiYFxgjhC6pxAp8
ALL CREW PARKING is on Wa Na Pa Street at the western end of Cascade Locks ONLY. DO NOT PARK on neighborhood streets or at the PCT trailhead where the aid station is located. Park on Wa Na Pa Street and walk the short two blocks up the hill to the aid station location. There is no fee to park on Wa Na Pa Street.
Drop Bags
Drop bags will be available at Wyeth Aid Station (Aid 2). Place drop bags on the tarp by the Marine Park Pavilion before the race start for transport to the aid station. Bags will be returned to the Pavilion after the aid station closes.
SIZE: Drop bag size must be smaller than a 10-12L container (such as a shoe bag), made of durable, water-resistant material. Bags that are too large will not be accepted and will not go the requested aid station.
LABEL: Write your first name, last name and bib number in large bold permanent ink on your drop bags.
RETURN: Drop bags are not returned to Marine Park until the aid station shuts down after cutoff times/race sweepers arrive.
CONTENTS: Do not store valuables in drop bags! The race is not responsible for missing, damaged, lost or stolen drop bags or contents. This includes car keys, ID, bank cards, or any other items of high personal value.
FORGOTTEN BAGS: Please note we do not ship or deliver forgotten drop bags. You can arrange to pick up forgotten drop bags from us if we have them.
Pacers
The 50K race does not allow pacers.
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are allowed.
Cancellations
See the Daybreak Racing Cancellation Policy.
This event is located on the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.