Lithia Loop Trail Marathon

Event overview

The Lithia Loop Trail event takes place in Ashland, Oregon, on a loop course that starts and finishes in Lithia Park. Distances offered:

• Marathon
• Mini-Marathon (13.1 miles)
• 10k

The route is mostly dirt roads and trails with about 2 miles of asphalt. One description breaks the course into 2 miles pavement, 3 miles double track, 6 miles single track, and 15 miles closed dirt road. The course is run counterclockwise. The mini-marathon and 10k follow the loop with specific deviations where the 10k turns onto the Wonder Trail to return to Lithia Park and the mini uses Rickety Trail, the 2060 and 300 roads, and Wonder Trail for its finish.

Course details and logistics

The course accumulates significant elevation change; one figure given is about 7,200 feet of elevation change. Another description notes climbs of over 3,000 feet in the first 10 miles and a similar descent in the final 6 miles. There are five aid stations stocked with SKRATCH electrolyte drink and GU energy gels. An approximate time limit of six hours is noted.

Facilities include parking and bathrooms in Lithia Park. Awards are given to overall male and female winners and are presented near the start after the race. Entry is limited to the first 300 runners. Fees listed include $100 for the marathon and $70 for the mini-marathon; the 10k fee is shown as $50 in one place and $40 in another. Packet pick-up is available at Rogue Valley Runners and at the band shell in Lithia Park. The nearest airport is Medford, Oregon, about a 20 minute drive. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.