COTTAGE GROVE – Cottage Grove concluded its busy, historic weekend of hosting the Cottage Grove Half Marathon and 10K Run/Walk on Saturday, and the Oregon Gran Fondo on Sunday – marking the first time the two big sports events have occurred consecutively.
“We are now capturing the whole family,” said Mike Ripley, owner of Mudslinger Events and Oregon Trail Runs. “Because there’s usually a runner in the family and a cyclist. They like to do different things. These two events on the same weekend give an opportunity for people to do one or two. We actually had three people who did both events this year!”
Mike Ripley
“We are now capturing the whole family,” said Mike Ripley, owner of Mudslinger Events and Oregon Trail Runs. “Because there’s usually a runner in the family and a cyclist. They like to do different things. These two events on the same weekend give an opportunity for people to do one or two. We actually had three people who did both events this year!”
Half Marathon and 10K Run/Walk
Oregon Trail Runs, the organization that hosted the Cottage Grove Half Marathon and 10K Run/Walk, saw 190 participants in both races this year. The route follows the Row River Trail – the “heart of Cottage Grove” – and passes Dorena Reservoir and several of Cottage Grove’s iconic covered bridges.
Ripley hopes to lean on the picturesque and stunning landscapes in the coming years to not only inspire more local involvement but also provide exposure of Cottage Grove to nonresidents.
“It’s truly such an asset,” said Ripley. “Hardly any communities have a Row River Trail. It’s so special. We’re trying to tap into that to inspire more locals for the 10k next year. Maybe they’re just gonna walk the half. Maybe it’s a 16-minute per mile pace. And if they do, maybe they find that they haven’t even been to the top of the trail. I also make it a focal point because some of these nonresidents have never been here before. And why would they come? So I give them a reason. You can’t really do that any other way, because everybody has a restaurant, everybody has a Google listing, right? How do you level up?”
For the 10k, residents saw Regis Gerber take first with a 46.30 finish. Following him was Steve Taylor in second (46.58); Harry Mai in third (50.48); Michael Estis, representing Cottage Grove, took fourth (55.09); and Gabriela Beach took fifth (55.48). In the Half Marathon, Jerik Embleton crossed the finish line in first (1.10.51); Justin Banks in second (1.13.11); Luke Shah in third (1.22.49); Dan Bowers in fourth (1.25.25); and Aaron Matthew in fifth (1.25.43).
Oregon Gran Fondo
On Sunday, Mudslinger Events opened up the cycling race, the Oregon Gran Fondo, at Cottage Grove High School this year. The 14-year event was temporarily moved from Bohemia Park due to the Main Street construction. “Gran Fondo” – Italian for “Big Ride” – featured two routes this year: the Gran loop of 100 miles and the Medio route of 66 miles. Both routes follow Sisulaw and Wolf Creek Road, also known for its beauty.
“For road cycling, it’s hard to find beautiful roads,” Ripley said. “This is a very unique, nice Lane County area. Territorial Highway is kind of crazy. It’s a little bit tight, but the Siuslaw River and this whole area are just gorgeous. I mean, it’s just a beautifully unplugged area.”
Cyclists started and finished the Gran Fondo and Medio races at Cottage Grove High School this year. Hundreds participated in the events.
BOB WILLIAMS / THE CHRONICLE PHOTO
Both the Grand Fondo and Medio Fondo combined had 246 participants this year. For the Gran Fondo, in the 15-23 age group, Mac Vinson was first (4.13.27). In the 24-39, Darton Devin was first (4.15.47). In the 40-49 men, Daniel Lincoln (4.10.39). In the 50-59 men, Robert Tornai (4.09.53). In the 60-64 men, Shawn McCloud (4.47.56). In the 65-69 mens, Gary Cornilles (4.44.19). Lastly, 70-74 men, John Reidy (6.42.09). On the women’s side, 24-39, Sara Bird took first (4.18.08); 40-49, Jasinder Kaur (4.39.40); 50-59, Kristina Gray (4.26.43); and 60-64 women, Jenny Slawata took first (5.18.37).
Ripley said he chose Cottage Grove for the Gran Fondo because of the stunning roadways, the unique charm of the town, and the strength of the community.
“Grand Fondo is just about bringing people together,” he said. “Community is really important, and Cottage Grove has a really cool ‘home feel’ that’s just kind of mixes people together. It’s a fun place to be. They’re really low-key. And I think a lot of cyclists are low-key too.”
