Ultra Running Camp

The camp will not be offered in 2023. Check back in early 2024 for dates.

It's time to go to summer camp! Leave your adult worries behind and head to the mountains for 3 days and 2 nights of blissful trail running fun. You'll have the opportunity to run with, and learn from high level ultrarunners as you tackle the circumnavigation of Mt. Hood in a day. 

This camp is all about immersing you in a supportive and fun environment to help you achieve your goals. 

The circumnavigation of Mt. Hood involves 40 (ish) miles on trail with appx. 6,000 ft of elevation gain and a variety of technical challenges—river crossings, glacier crossings, steep descents and ascents, and more all in a stunningly beautiful location. (Note: please carefully read the prerequisite section before registering)

• the opportunity to run with top level athletes in a beautiful setting
• instruction and tips from top level athletes
• the opportunity to circumnavigate Mt. Hood with top level athletes; and have food/medical support along the way (in addition to bail out options if needed)
• group runs in multiple locations
• mountain safety discussions
• discussion of training plans and philosophies
• mountain running movies
• great food
• all in a gorgeous setting!

The Mazama Ultra Running Camp is the adult version of summer camp that you have been dreaming about! You'll leave the worries of the real world behind, as you get to focus solely on exploring trails, learning from master ultrarunners, and meeting new running buddies. There will be a maximum of 9 participants.

Transportation, meals (excellent quality, fresh foods, vegetarian, and gluten-free available) are included, along with bunk-style lodging. Mazama Lodge is at appx. 1,500 ft. below historic Timberline Lodge. Runs will take place between 3,000–6,500 ft in elevation. The Mt. Hood circumnavigation is a coveted prize for ultra runners. This running route offers technical trail, stunning views, water crossings, a glacier crossing, and so much more. You'll have the opportunity to tackle this gem with a supportive team and your instructors. We'll meet you at two points along the way to provide additional food, hydration, and first aid support—to ensure your success.

Blog posts on the Mt. Hood Circumnavigation (includes photos): Yassine Diboun Candice Burt Joe Grant (Photos) Bryan Mullaney During the weekend, you'll bond with your fellow campmates while hitting the trails, and have the opportunity to get to know Krissy and Jeff. 

Prerequisites

• This is a 3-day camp that involves lots of running, appx. 60–70 miles over 3 days (similar in distance to Western States Training Camp); 1st day: 5–12 miles, 2nd day: 42 miles, 3rd day: 3–8 miles.
• In the past two years completed at least one 35-mile trail run (race or training run)
• Your weekly mileage should be 50 miles or greater by the start of camp (there may be exceptions to this rule; email with questions)
• Be able to run/move at a 3.5 mph avg pace in mountainous terrain for 42 miles
• Treat this like a race: You will want to be well-trained and rested for this 40-mile run around Mt. Hood.

Questions: Email Us.

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (527 SE 43rd Avenue, Portland, OR) at 8:30 a.m. We will travel to Mazama Lodge to drop off our gear before heading out for summer easy running and getting to know each other.

Day 2:  This will be a very full day and will start before dawn. You'll be transported from Mazama Lodge to Timberline Lodge to start your circumnavigation of Mt. Hood.

Day 3: Enjoy a leisurely start to the day, with a hot breakfast, some lounging at Mazama Lodge before heading out for a shake-out run or walk and some group debrief time over lessons learned on the run the day before.

Tuition

$495– includes transportation, two nights lodging at Mazama lodge (bunk style accommodations), all meals (vegetarian & gluten free available), towel service.

Meals

The Mazama Lodge kitchen crew takes pride in serving food that is healthy, tasty and accommodates special dietary needs. Lodge meals include: Saturday and Sunday night dinners, Sunday and Monday morning breakfast. In addition to the sit-down meals at the lodge, we will have trail food for you to prep on the go meals for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday lunches.

What you’ll need to bring

• A running hydration pack
• Sleeping bag (it can be quite warm at Mazama Lodge in the summer. You won't need a heavy sleeping bag, and some people enjoy just sleeping in a lightweight sleepsack.)
• Trail food (performance food you'll want to carry with you while running; all other meals will be provided)
• Running clothes—include layers in case of cold/wet weather
• Running shoes
• Lounging clothes for hanging out at the lodge
• Basic items to shower
• Indoor only shoes for the lodge
• Recommended: lightweight poles for the Mt. Hood Circumnavigation
• An adventurous spirit!

The instructors will send out detailed information three weeks before the start of camp.

USDA Statement

USDA Special Use Permit Information and Non-Discrimination Statement

Mazamas Education Programs operate under a special use permit with the Mt. Hood National Forest. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the Mazamas is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.