Overview
The Run the Rock Half Marathon delivers all the beauty of Smith Rock State Park in a compact and thrilling package. With 13.1 miles of rugged singletrack and about 2,500ft of climbing, this race offers an unforgettable mix of challenge and scenery. Runners climb Misery Ridge, weave along the River Trail, and pass under the towering spire of Monkey Face while panoramic views of the Cascades open up across the horizon.
This is no ordinary half marathon. With a start at sunrise in the high desert, crisp fall air, and a loop-style course that showcases the very best of Central Oregon, Run the Rock’s half marathon promises the kind of adventure trail runners dream about.
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Registration
Opens
Apr 1, 2025, 12:00 AM
Closes
Nov 1, 2025, 11:59 PM
Registration Fee
$135
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
13.1
M
Course type:
Unknown
Elevation gain:
▲
2,500ft
Elevation loss:
▼
2,500ft
Max altitude:
4,256ft
Start time:
Nov 9, 2025
8:30 AM
Cutoff time:
5.5HR
Course Description
The half marathon course begins on Rim Rock Trail and quickly ascends Misery Ridge, one of the park’s most iconic climbs. The loop continues along Mesa Verde, River Trail, and Rope De Dope before heading out to Burma Road and Wolf Tree, then closing back toward Rim Rock for the finish. This course is 90% singletrack and 10% access road, with big climbs, sharp descents, and world-class views at nearly every turn.
Logistics
Nearest airport: Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), 20 minutes from Smith Rock
Nearest major airport: Portland International Airport (PDX), 3 hours from Smith Rock
Nearby cities: Redmond (15 minutes), Madras (30 minutes), Bend (45 minutes)
Driving Directions
All participants must park at DD Ranch. Shuttles run every 15 minutes beginning at 5:30AM on Saturday and 6:30AM on Sunday.
Parking
Parking is free at DD Ranch. Shuttles transport all runners, crew, and visitors to Smith Rock State Park.
No parking is allowed at the race start or finish.
Lodging
SCP Hotel in Redmond is the official lodging partner with discounted rates. Other lodging options are available in Redmond, Madras, and Bend.
Aid Stations
There is one full-service aid station located along the course with food, drinks, and friendly volunteers. It is stocked with fruit, chips, cookies, peanut butter and jelly, and other runner favorites.
Race Requirements
The half marathon is open to all runners but requires comfort with steep climbing and trail running on technical terrain. With 2,500ft of climbing, runners should be prepared for a tough but rewarding adventure.
Trail Work
Policies
Veterans are eligible for a 25% discount by emailing the race organizers before registering.
Event Details
Drop Bags
There are no drop bags for Run the Rock. Please plan accordingly.
Bib Pick-up
Bib pickup takes place on race morning only. Half marathon runners may pick up bibs beginning at 7:30AM at Smith Rock State Park.
Schedule
Friday November 7, 2025
Evening: Suggested arrival in Terrebonne or Redmond for out-of-town runners
Saturday November 8, 2025
5:30AM: Shuttles begin from DD Ranch for 50K runners
6:00AM: Check-in opens at Smith Rock State Park for 50K
7:00AM: 50K race start
Throughout the day: Spectating, cheering, and community gathering at Smith Rock
5:00PM: 50K finish line cutoff
Sunday November 9, 2025
6:30AM: Shuttles begin from DD Ranch for half marathon runners
7:30AM: Check-in opens at Smith Rock State Park for half marathon
8:30AM: Half marathon race start
2:00PM: Half marathon finish line cutoff Afternoon: Post-race food and celebration
Cancelations & Deferrals
Run the Rock does not offer race day registration. Registration closes on November 1 or when sold out. No refunds or deferrals are listed in the race policies. Runners should verify registration details before committing.
Refunds & Credits
No transfers to other runners. No exceptions.
Cancel more than 30 days before race day → you’ll receive 50% credit toward the same event the following year.
Cancel within 30 days of race day → no credit, no refund, no transfer. Please don’t ask—we keep this policy consistent for everyone.
How to Cancel for Race Credit
You must cancel 30+ days before the event to receive 50% credit.
Log into your Ultrasignup account.
Go to your registration history.
Cancel your entry.
That’s it—your spot will be released, and 50% credit will automatically roll to next year’s event.
Important: We cannot make exceptions, even for medical reasons or injuries.
Pre-Purchased Items
Gear like shirts, hats, pint glasses, or other add-ons must be picked up in person during race weekend check-in. Anything not collected will not be shipped.
Switching Distances
You can move up or down in distance before race day only.
If the distance you want is sold out and has a waitlist, you’ll need to join the waitlist—we can’t move you ahead of others.
Dropping down? No refunds.
Moving up? You’ll need to pay the difference before being added.
To switch, please email the race directors.
Race Cancellation
If we are forced to cancel an event and it cannot reasonably be rescheduled, there will be no refunds, no credits, no rollovers.
Other Notes
Personal checks are not accepted.
Reserved spots: Alpine Running holds a number of entries for sponsors and partners, outside of regular registration.
Pregnancy Deferral
We proudly offer a deferral for runners who are pregnant.
Eligibility: Any registered runner who is pregnant or becomes pregnant after registering.
Steps:
Submit a written Pregnancy Entry Deferral request to the Race Director before race day.
Provide confirmation of pregnancy or proof of birth from a physician, midwife, or other medical professional.
Your entry will be deferred for 1 year.
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted on the race course or at the start and finish areas due to permit restrictions at Smith Rock State Park.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Crew support is not permitted on the half marathon course.
Visitors are welcome at the start and finish areas but must use the shuttle system from DD Ranch due to limited parking at Smith Rock. Visitors are encouraged to cheer at the finish and join the celebration.
Volunteers
Every race has a secret sauce—and it’s not the aid station snacks. It’s the volunteers. Without their energy, smiles, and hard work, none of these events would happen.
Volunteering is a chance to give back to the trail running community, cheer on runners from a different perspective, and maybe even scope out what racing feels like before signing up yourself. Whatever brings you to the volunteer crew, we see you as partners—and we celebrate you like the trail heroes you are.
What You’ll Get as a Volunteer
At Alpine Running races, volunteers receive:
A quality race t-shirt (wear it with pride!)
A post-race meal and beverage—because good food tastes even better after trail magic
Race credit toward a future Alpine Running event
A Few Ground Rules
To keep things fair and sustainable, here’s how volunteer benefits work:
Credits expire within one year of being issued.
Credits don’t apply to volunteers associated with race sponsors.*
Credits and race-day perks are for folks who sign up ahead of time and fill their assigned role.
Credits can only be redeemed online during registration.
Alpine Running reserves the right to adjust credits, restrictions, or benefits if needed.
*If you’re part of a sponsor team, reach out to Alpine Running to learn more about your special perks!