2024 Steens Rim Run + Walk - August 3

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I register online?  YES! Absolutely! Please do, but only before August 1!

2. Can I register at the starting line the day of the race? Yes, but we strongly encourage pre-race registration. We will allow day of race registration between 7:30 am – 8:45 am (Day of Race Registration will close at 8:45 a.m.). Race shirt availability is not guaranteed for day-of-race registrants.

3. How do I get to the race? Travel south on State Highway 205 for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Follow the Loop Road for approximately 19 miles to the parking area at the starting line, just past Jackman Park Campground. 

4. Where do I pick up my race packet? Packets are available for pick-up at the starting line the day of the race between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

5. Where are good places to camp or stay before or after the race? I get asked this often, and there are numerous options depending on what your looking for. There are 4 BLM public land campgrounds (Fish Lake, Jackman Park, Page Springs, & South Steens) in the area that make good camping options. These are sites you pay a minimal nightly fee for ($16/night for the first vehicle; $5/night for each additional vehicle) and will have basic services that include (vault toilets, water sources, picnic tables, fire rings, etc). You can also primitive camp anywhere on the mountain that is under public ownership. More formal accommodations in the area include: Steens Mountain Resort and the Frenchglen Hotel. Places to stay in or near Burns are also good options, but they are approximately 2 hours away from the starting area. If you still have questions don’t hesitate to call or email me. (Nick Miller 541-413-1997 or steensrimrun@gmail.com).

6. Are refunds available? Your race entry fee is non-refundable. No exceptions. 

7. Can I transfer my registration to another runner or year?  No, your registration and number are not transferable. No exceptions. 

8. How can I verify receipt of my registration status?  You should get a confirmation email when you register online, plus you can always call or e-mail race organizer (Nick Miller 541-413-1997 or steensrimrun@gmail.com). 

9. What happens if I am unable to participate but want my t-shirt?  You are welcome to still pick up your packet and receive your participation t-shirt and swag at the starting line or call the race organizers and we can get it sent to you. 

10. What is your privacy policy regarding the information supplied on the registration form?  The Steens Rim Run does not share your information with any other parties without your consent.

Race Information

1. What time are the races? The Walk begins at 9:30 am and the Run begins at 10:00 am.

2. Is this really the toughest 10K in Oregon?  Well I can’t say that for sure, but I would be willing to bet, you would be hard pressed to find a much tougher 10K road race anywhere.  The nearly 2,000 feet elevation gain alone makes it very challenging, not to mention this race takes place at just under 10,000 feet above sea level.  

3. My family and or friends want to watch the race, where is the best spots?  I recommend that they drive a vehicle up to the parking area near the finish (mile 5.9).  The scenery is beautiful up there, and this way they get to see you finish, and can carry your extra clothes and miscellaneous stuff up there for you. Vehicles and spectators wanting to be at the top need to go up prior to 9:15 am, the course will be closed to all vehicles after that until the last participant finishes.  The loop road usually opens back up by 12:30.

4. Can I have clothes or a bag brought up to the finish line area? If you need a bag/clothes hauled up to the finish line you can put them in the back of one of the registration vehicles near the starting line and those vehicles will leave the starting area at 9:15 and head up to the finish area. Sorry, but the volunteers will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

5. What is the race course like?  The surface is a well maintained gravel road (don’t worry it’s not thick loose gravel).  The course is one way up the beautiful Steens Mountain, nestled in between several glacier cut gorges on the west side and the towering east rim on the east side.  The race ends at the East Rim Overlook which gives astonishing views of the mountain and Alvord Desert some 5,000+ feet below.

6. What kind of weather conditions can I expect?  Usually the weather is great with lots of sun and a light breeze.  However, weather conditions can be extreme as well, especially near the top.  In 37 years we have seen hot dry 75+ degree days to even total white out conditions dumping as much as 3 inches of snow (only had snow once).  Come prepared for all possible weather conditions, and for sure bring a sweatshirt or jacket to wear at the top after you finish. 

7. Will there be portable restrooms on the course?  Yes, there will be portable restrooms located at the Start, near mile 3, at the last turn towards the finish (mile 5.9) and at the Finish - 6 at the start, one near miles 3 and 6 and 2 at the finish. 

8. I am entered in the walk, but I am feeling good, especially on the few downhill portions. Can I run?  Absolutely not, the walk is a competitive race as well with long standing records, and awards given out to winners and three deep to all age categories. Walkers caught running at any time will be disqualified.  If you want to walk and run then enter the run, almost all runners have to walk at some point during the race.

9. How do participants get back down to the starting line?  There are plenty of vehicles at or near the finish, just ask and we will find you a ride.  Anyone seen running or walking back down is surely doing it by choice, because there is always more than enough people willing to give rides. 

10. Are iPods or headphones allowed on the course?  iPods and other earpiece music devices are allowed on the course. If you choose to wear one please be extra cautious and mindful of the volume of your music and your presence on the course. 

11. What are the race shirts like? Race shirts “Next Level Tri-Blend Unisex” 50/25/25 poly/combed ring spun cotton/rayon.

COVID-19

1. Will there be special requirements with respects to COVID 19? No specific restrictions will be in place for the 2023 event regarding Covid 19. This page will be updated if circumstances change.