Nestled here in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley in the northwestern corner of the state, just a short drive south from the far more urban environment of nearby Portland, this small rural city plays host each spring to the annual running of the Goat Mountain Gallop Half Marathon, which marks its 28th running in 2011.

Described by the race organizers as both challenging and hilly, the Goat Mountain Gallop race follows a point-to-point 13.1-mile route that starts in the nearby town of Colton, which lies just a short drive east from Molalla. From there, runners then head westward along the paved country roads between the two towns, which lie in the foothills of Goat Mountain, for which of course the race is named.

Runners -- and walkers, the race is open to both -- finish the race at Molalla High School on North Frances Street, where they also check in for the race in the morning and where they board the shuttle bus that takes all runners and walkers to the starting line in Colton. The race starting time is 9:00 AM for runners and 8:00 AM for walkers, so the last bus will leave the high school at about 8:15 AM, organizers add.


Race Weather & Climate

Located in northwest Oregon, just over 30 miles south of Portland, the city of Molalla typically sees cool to moderately warm weather conditions in the mid-spring season, and usually less rain and snow than in the winter months, when precipitation is much higher. In April, the city's average monthly temperatures range between 63°F and 43°F -- on the day of the race (April 16), the average high is 63°F and the average low is 43°F -- while precipitation amounts average just over 3.4 inches for the month.


Fees

With race t-shirt:

$33 for the half marathon, if registered by April 2, 2011
$35 after April 2

Without race t-shirt:

$25 if registered by April 2
$27 after April 2


Registration

To reserve your spot in the spring 2011 running of Molalla's Goat Mountain Gallop Half Marathon, print out and mail in this downloadable entry form.


Website

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