Oregon is full of beautiful parks, forests, lakes where locals and visitors alike can go enjoy the great outdoors and become one with nature. Elijah Bristow State Park, located on the Middle fork of the Willamette River just outside Eugene, is a great place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend time becoming one with nature. The park spans 847 acres of meadows, woodlands, and wetlands that are a must see.
On June 18, 2016 the park will host the 3rd annual Eugene Bristow 24 Hour Run, a benefit for the Oregon State Parks Foundation and the Eugene to PCT Trail system. Whether you’re a runner or not, this will be a great event to go participate in. And in order to make the most of your trip to the park, you’ll want to remember your Oakleys on the way out the door. If your lenses are damaged, take a look at the different Oakley sunglasses new switch lenses options available from LenzFlip before you head to the park.
How Does A 24-Hour Race Work?
Running for 24 hours straight sounds like a daunting task, and definitely takes training. But if you are a runner with enough experience, it is also an amazing feat. If 24 hours seems too long, no worries. There are shorter options available. Race participants have the option of choosing between a 24 hr., 12 hr., or 6 hr. event depending on their skill and endurance levels.
While it may seem like you could cover a lot of ground in a 24-hour period, the race course itself is a fairly small 1.0544 mile loop through the park, which participants run around for the duration of the race, allowing runners to familiarize themselves with the terrain and help minimize injuries. The race is meant to be a fun event, not a tiring and dangerous one, so the course is fairly easy in terms of ups and downs, with only a 15-foot elevation change.
In case injuries do occur, there is an aid station on site that will provide basic first aid care. Food and drinks are also provided to keep race participants’ going and going. In addition to the aid and food stations, a medical tent will be available for runners to monitor their blood pressure and weight to ensure they stay healthy and hydration for the duration of the run. While runners are expected to be familiar with their own limitations, and should know if they need to rest or stop the race early, EMTs will be available in case of an emergency.
Race day officially kicks off at 7:00 a.m. on June 18th. Racers should arrive with plenty of time to get situated and ready for the 9:00 a.m. start time. Family members and supporters are invited to come along to the event, and are encouraged to stay and support their runner on the track.
Safety Considerations, Including Getting Oakley Sunglasses New Switch Lenses
In order to ensure safety, some basic rules have been outlined. No animals are allowed along for the run, though participants are warned that they may encounter some of the park’s natural residents throughout the day, and to be courteous to them. Racers are also advised to wear bug spray or other protection, as mosquitoes are common this time of year.
If participants have any known medical conditions, they are asked to notify the medical staff ahead of time so they can be prepared. Additionally, participants are asked to notify staff if they are stopping the race early, or plan to take a break or a nap during the run so that people aren’t sent out looking for them.
Because typical summer weather in Oregon doesn’t truly begin until early July, participants are also advised to pack warm clothing for both themselves and their crew. Although it is expected to be a fairly warm day, with daytime temperatures expected to fall within the 60-80° range, it still drops down into the low 40s at night, and the weather in the area is known to change suddenly.
Additionally, crew members are encouraged to address aid station, medical tent, or volunteer staff members for any questions or concerns they have during the race events, and they will help in any way possible.
Another safety precaution to consider is proper sun protection. Even though it won’t be too hot, the sun’s rays are still just as damaging. Not to mention that spending that much time outside can really strain the eyes. You’ll want to remember your best pair of sunglasses for the event so you are sure to have an enjoyable time. And since it is likely to be a bright day, you may want to take a look at some of the Oakley sunglasses new switch lenses color options available at LenzFlip. The different tints are specially designed to provide optimum protection and viewing based on the weather and time of day.
How To Register As A Runner Or A Volunteer
Registration fees for race participants vary based on how long they plan on running. It is $150 for 24 hr. participants, $110 for 12 hr. participants, and $80 for 6 hr. participants. In addition to race participation, this fee also pays for a participant race shirt, awards, and a post-race breakfast served on Sunday morning (which your crew is invited to attend).
If you think even 6 hours is too long to run around a racetrack but still want to participate in the event, or if you plan on attending to support a runner you can also sign up to be a volunteer. The biggest need right now is for people to man the Aid Station or count laps, but volunteers are also needed to help cook, check in runners, and announce runners as they come through the aid and timing areas.
There is a lot involved in putting on an event like this, and the volunteers are the ones who make it possible. You can sign up to volunteer or participate in the race online at www.bristow24.org. But hurry, the race is limited to 85 runners, so if you want to run you should sign up sooner rather than later to secure your spot.
After You Run, Visit An Oregon Winery
Whether you plan on traveling to participate in the race or you live in the area, there are plenty of other things to do in the area in addition to the 24 hour run.
Noble Estate Winery, located just outside of nearby Eugene, Oregon, is one stop you must make if you’ve never been before. This family owned winery and vineyard situated in the South Willamette Valley is blessed with a climate very similar to that in France, and the rich volcanic soils in the area add delicacy to the wines produced there that is hard to find.
The winery is a great place to go and enjoy a relaxing evening after the exhausting run, and the original Noble Estate tasting room offers visitors unforgettable views of both the vineyards and the surrounding Willamette Valley that are hard to beat. During the summer there is even live music in the tasting room, adding a fun and festive element to the whole experience.
And don’t forget your Oakleys for this outing either! You’ll want to make sure the bright sun doesn’t interfere when you are touring the vineyard and sipping a delicious glass of wine. If your lenses are scratched or damaged, check out LenzFlip’s polycarbonate Oakley sunglasses new switch lenses. They are unbelievably inexpensive and It takes less than a minute to change out your old lenses for a brand new pair.