Half Marathon (13.1 miles) 2,450 ft vertical climb
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Registration is OPEN
Start/Finish Location: Oregon Gulch, Ketchum, IdahoElevation Gain: 2,450 ft High Point: 7,600 ft
Terrain: Forested single-track loop with stunning fall colors and mountain views
The course begins at Oregon Gulch, heads south along the river via Saddle Trail to a designated turnaround, then descends toward Chocolate Gulch. At Fox Creek, runners encounter the first aid station before climbing the Oregon-Fox connector trail to the high point. The final stretch is a gentle downhill for a fast finish.The course will be clearly marked with pink flags for easy navigation.
BIB PICKUP (TO BE CONFIRMED)
If you can’t make it Friday, watch the race director’s video on youtube. Link we be posted here prior to the race and arrive early to get your bib at the start area before your race. No wave changes are allowed.
Race Day Logistics
Start Waves (Limited to 40 runners per wave)
To help spread runners out along the trail, there are four starting waves. All participants are eligible for top prizes regardless of wave.
• Wave 1: 8:30 AM
• Wave 2: 8:45 AM
• Wave 3: 9:00 AM
• Wave 4: 9:15 AM
Waves will be assigned after registration closes.
Sunrise: 7:26 AM | Sunset: 7:33 PM
Finish Cutoff: 5:00 PM
Getting There – Take the Free Bus!
Due to limited parking at the trailhead, we strongly encourage runners and supporters to take the complimentary shuttle bus.
• Pickup Location: Big Wood School, 100 Saddle Rd, Ketchum (across from the YMCA)
• Departure: Every 30 minutes from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Don’t be late – the bus driver won’t wait!
Parking:
Limited parking is available at Oregon Gulch Trailhead. Please park on Barlow Road (See Map), and no parking is allowed along the road due to fire hazards. Legends Never Die has a strict permit agreement allowing only five spots at the trailhead for public and emergency access.
START / FINISH at Oregon Gulch. There is a bathroom at the Trail Head, Aid Station & First Aid.
Important: Pin your bib on the front of your shirt and announce your bib number at aid stations to ensure accurate tracking. If you are among a group of runners, assume you were missed and double check to make sure they get you marked down.
Event Rules and Safety Legends Never Die is privileged to operate under a strict special use permit from the US Forest Service in Ketchum Ranger District
Trail Courtesy: “Leave No Trace.” No littering, fires, drones, or dogs on the course. Dogs are welcome at the start/finish but must be leashed.
Weather Preparedness: Prepare for any weather, including rain or snow. If air quality (AQI) exceeds 160 by 7:00 AM on race day, the race will be postponed or cancelled. Check emails & Social Media
Required Equipment: Fully charged cell phone; additional gear may be required based on weather.
No Moaning, Example: to make a complaint in an unhappy voice, usually about something that does not seem important to other people: Thelma’s always moaning (about something), and forgets how lucky she actually is.
IF YOU CHOSE TO BREAK ANY OF THESE RULES WE MAY DISQUALIFY YOU FROM THE RACE.
Aid stations Aid stations are at Mile 4.5, Mile 10, Mile 13.1,
Generously stocked by Atkinsons’ Market, https://www.atkinsons.com/
• Nutrition: • Electrolyte drink from Tailwind, gels, chews & bars • Assorted fruits (bananas, oranges & watermelon) • Soda • Assorted sweets • Assorted salty snacks (chips, pretzels, etc.) • Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches •
Runner Care: • Basic First Aid/Blister Care • Bug Spray • Sunscreen • Lubrication for Chaffing • Feminine Products
We mix Tailwind electrolyte drinks, as directed on the website. So, if you’re planning on a 4-hour workout, you’ll need 800 calories (8 scoops or 4 single serving packets) mixed with 96 oz of water.
All athletes will check in so progress can be tracked on the map with radios. Please say your bib number when you enter and leave an aid station.
Equipment required: Fully Charged Working Cell phone.
If rain or snow is forecast We may institute a mandatory gear list, such as WATERPROOF and hooded jacket with seams sealed, hat, gloves, pants, space emergency blanket. You should be ready to gear you up or carry such gear throughout if there is threatening weather.
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT Hiking poles, Extra layer/Jacket, Battery Pack for Cell Phone, Survival Blanket, Sun Glasses, Sun Hat.
Course map
Trail Forks GPX Half Marathon Map.
https://www.trailforks.com/route/legends-never-die-half-marathon-course/?email=1
Turn-by-Turn Directions
- Start Oregon Gulch
- Run northwest on Saddle Trail.
- Turn Right at T intersection and run .5 miles and go around turn around point. (tree)
- Back down trail past T intersection (smile for the photographer) and go along Chocolate Gulch.
- Keep left to take North Fork Loop.
- Turn right onto Fox Creek Loop.
- Run southwest on Fox Creek Loop.
- Turn right onto Chocolate Gulch.
- Turn left onto Oregon-Fox Connector.
- Run north on Oregon-Fox Connector.
- Turn right onto Oregon Gulch
- Run through Finish/start area at Oregon Gulch
Course Cutoff: Runners must finish by 5:00 PM for an official result. Assistance will be provided if needed, but those who choose to continue unassisted do so at their own risk.
Medical Support: Each aid station is staffed by a wilderness first responder. With basic medical supplies on hand. Inreach phones are for emergency use only. If you encounter an emergency, proceed to the nearest station if possible. The sweeper at the back of the pack will assist runners needing help.
The Aid Station captain and Race Director have the authority to pull runners from the race for safety reasons. Please treat them with respect if they feel it is in your best interest to discontinue your race.
If you are unable to carry on under your own power await another runner to catch up to you and relay the emergency to him/her with instructions to pass on about your emergency and your bib number.
If you are at the back of the pack and need to go off trail to use the bathroom, leave gear on the trail. So that the course sweeper knows you are there.
Dropping out of the race. PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY. We take great care of you, and need to know if you are dropping out of the race. You must make it to an aid station and inform volunteers of your decision to drop from the race. If you drop from the race, make it absolutely clear that you are done (DNF DONE!!!) . Tell the aid station captain. If you leave the course unannounced, I may call Blaine County Search and Rescue and you may be charged for it.
Please also text the Race Director (208)2169523 as a courtesy.
Be FORMAL about dropping out. Don’t be shy. Own your DNF…There is nearly always next year!
Cell Phone Coverage. We recommend bringing a cell phone with you for safety. However there are parts of the course that cell coverage is very limited. Such as the start / finish area. There is cell signal around fox creek and above 8,000 feet.
Cell phone coverage is limited at the start/finish area, New this year Star-link Wifi around the Start / Finish line. Race Directors number Thomas Smiley in your phone 208 216 9523 text messages are the best way to get a hold of the RD
The first half of the Half Marathon you can get good coverage, around Fox Creek Aid station there is no cell phone coverage.
Photos Race photographer from Smileys Mountain Photo will be located along the course at mile 3 and finish to capture the moment, remember to smile and look like your having fun, photos are provided free of charge please tag #legendsneverdie and #smileysmtphoto on IG www.smileysmtphoto.com
Everyone who officially finishes receives a unique award at the Finish.
Prizes ,
Course Records Break the course record and win the race for a $200 cash prize!
Over the last five years ‘Legends Never Die’ has raised over $5000 for local charities and local causes.
Higher Ground Website,
Sun Valley Ski Education https://svsef.org/
Wood River Trails Coalition. Will be at the pre race party. Wood River Trails Coalition is a trail stewardship organization working to create, maintain and sustain the trails in the Wood River Valley for all users. Please consider becoming member Website
Hotels & Camping.
Limelight Hotel is our official lodging sponsor,
The North Fork Campground website is the closest campsite to Oregon Gulch Start / Finish
Social Media: Let’s connect! Legends Never Die is on, facebook or Instagram
Are You Ready? LETS GO!
Legends Never Die 