Directions to Peavy Arboretum (the race start and finish):

From Portland/Salem and other points north

1. Take I-5 south to Salem Parkway.
2. Make your way to Highway 22 West (Beaches).
3. Take Highway 22 west from Salem 10 miles to 99W.
4. Turn left (south) on 99W and go 18.8 miles through Monmouth; continue on 99W to Arboretum Road.
5. Turn right, go 0.8 miles, and follow the signs, turning right into Peavy Arboretum.

From Corvallis

1. Go north on 3rd Street, which turns into 99W.
2. Go 6 miles north on 99W, then turn left on Arboretum Road.
3. Go 0.8 miles and follow the signs, turning left into Peavy Arboretum.

Once inside, stay to the left and follow Race Parking Signs.

Get directions to Peavy Arboretum ↗

Enter from Arboretum Rd. Stay to the left and Follow Race Parking Signs. Follow any directions from parking volunteers, park only in designated areas, and keep roads and gates clear. We recommend arriving 45–60 minutes before your start to allow time to park, reach check-in, and warm up. The 15K starts at 9:00 a.m.; the 5K starts at 9:30 a.m. Carpooling is encouraged.

Expect a mix of forest singletrack and logging roads, with hills, uneven footing, roots, and the possibility of mud or slippery sections. Shoes with good traction are a good choice. Give other runners room, watch your footing, and enjoy the forest.

Both races explore McDonald Forest on trails and logging roads, and both climb the same section of the Section 36 Trail—a significant uphill challenge. The 5K heads straight into the climb from the start, while the 15K offers about 3 miles of more moderate terrain to warm up before tackling the hill.

The 5K is a shorter introduction to trail racing and a good option for first-time trail runners who are comfortable covering the distance on uneven, hilly terrain. The 15K adds more distance and climbing for a bigger challenge. With no cutoff times in either race, you’re free to tackle the course at your own pace, walking steeper or slippery sections as needed.

Explore the 5K and 15K course maps before choosing your race.

5K: There are no aid stations along the main portion of the course. You pass the Cronemiller Lake aid station within the first quarter mile and again within the final quarter mile.

15K: Aid stations are planned at Cronemiller Lake at miles 3.25 and 8.75, and at the Cap House at mile 6.

We encourage all runners to bring their own hydration bottle to help reduce paper-cup use and race-day waste.

We run rain or shine, so come prepared for cool, wet conditions and muddy trails. However, snow or ice creates a strong possibility that the race will be postponed or canceled, as icy roads and falling limbs pose substantial risks to our volunteers and participants. The course may also change due to weather, trail conditions, or forest management activities. Check this website and your race emails before leaving home for updates about the course, schedule, or event status, and follow the race director’s and volunteers’ instructions on race day.

Visit our Results page for race results by year and our Photos page for available race-day albums. New results and photos will be linked there as they become available.

Absolutely! Volunteers and sponsors help make the Mac possible. Email the race director to ask about volunteer opportunities or sponsorship. Whether you’re helping runners or supporting the event behind the scenes, we’d love to have you involved.