Race to Space

Join us for the 5th Annual Race to Space on May 9, 2026, on Linfield University's Wellness Trail. This is a timed race with 12, 8, 6, 3, and 1-hour options, and an alternate 4-loop relay for teams of 2-4 participants. NEW this year is the Bingo Run! For each lap, runners draw a number. Once you have pulled the three numbers that match what appears on your bib, you have finished the race. Choose from 10, 20, or 30-number races, with the option to continue running after your bingo card is filled.

Base Camp is located at the start/finish of our approximately 1.5-mile loop trail course, located at 57 Keck Drive, McMinnville, OR. Profits from the event go to charity.

Sign up before December 31 to get the best pricing.

Find Your Why

Our event provides runners and walkers with many options because people have different goals and fitness levels. Looking for something short just to get moving or to work back from an injury? Try the one-hour Moon Shot or grab friends and run the relay. Training for a half marathon? The three-hour Mission to Mars will give runners lots of time to get in the mileage. Maybe you're preparing for a marathon or longer. The 6-, 8-, and 12-hour options are for you. If running a marathon or ultra has always been on your bucket list, but you're worried about being too slow or not having enough fitness, the 6-, 8-, and 12-hour races provide a great opportunity to fulfill that dream.

Want to try your luck and something new at the same time? The Bingo Run gives every runner a chance to win, with a bit of luck, by filling their card first. Every time you complete a lap, draw a number. If that number matches one of the bingo numbers on your bib, you mark off that number. Once your bingo card is filled, you're finished! (though we'll probably let you keep going). Awards will be given to those who fill their card the fastest, measured both in time and the number of draws, so there may be multiple winners. If the competitive aspect doesn't matter to you, maybe this event appeals to you for the uncertainty of how far you will have to run to get a bingo.

Regardless of your why, the beauty of a loop course is that you only need to finish one lap to be a finisher (unless you're in the relay, then your team needs to complete four loops, or if you're in the Bingo Run, then who knows how far you will have to go). If you have your sights set on running the 26.2 miles of a marathon or longer, but you're just not feeling it on race day, you're never more than 3/4 of a mile from the start/finish. Those rebuilding from an injury or testing themselves with a new distance can bail if needed and still be a finisher.

(Scroll down toward the bottom if you want to know our why)

General Information

The various events start at different times to avoid course congestion.

Starting at 7:00 AM:

Abduction Adventure (12-hour race)

Bingo 30

Starting at 8:00 AM:

Moon Shot (1-hour race)

Journey to Pluto (8-hour race)

Bingo 20

Starting at 9:30 AM:

Mission to Mars (3-hour race)

Solar Shuffle (6-hour race)

Bingo 10

Starting at 12 PM (noon):

Space Sprint (4-loop relay, 2-4 runners per team)

Pricing (through the end of December)

Moon Shot - 1 hr race - $25.00

Mission to Mars - 3 hr race - $40.00

Solar Shuffle - 6 hr race - $50.00

Journey to Pluto - 8 hr race - $60.00

Abduction Adventure - 12 hr race - $80

Bingo 10 - $40

Bingo 20 - $60

Bingo 30 - $80

Runners in the timed events who also want to compete in Bingo can do so for an additional $10

Space Sprint - 4 loop relay (2-4 per team) - $60.00 per team

What to Expect on Race Day

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled race to pick up your race bib. Parking is just a few feet from packet pickup and the start/finish.

Course Description

Loop course: Our race will be a ~1.5-mile loop course run at Linfield University’s wellness trail. It is a mostly dirt/bark dust trail. The start/finish and aid station will be located just off SE Lever Street on Wildcat Circle (in Google Maps, it is the parking lot to the SE of the Linfield University Nicholson Library). There are areas for runners to set up their own aid stations or chairs along the course, and vehicle access is very close.

What shoes should I wear? The trail is not very technical, with just a few tree roots; road shoes work best in dry conditions. If conditions are wet and muddy, trail shoes might be a better option.

Oregon's May weather can be unpredictable. For two of the first four years of the event, high temperatures topped 85 degrees. We have yet to have any significant rain at the event, but this is Oregon, so mentally prepare for anything.

The aid station will provide water and an electrolyte drink, as well as a variety of sweet and savory snacks. Special requests will be considered, but runners with specific needs or preferences are encouraged to bring their own food and drink to supplement. Runners are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups to help reduce waste.

Volunteer Information

Not looking to run? We are seeking volunteers for our race! Jobs for volunteers include registration and packet pickup, course monitors, aid station, waste management, and set-up/takedown. Volunteers will get swag and our heartfelt thanks.

Swag

Top finishers in each race will earn special awards. All participants will receive a pair of high-quality running socks. If we get enough entries by mid-April, shirts will also be provided. We are always working on securing additional swag for our amazing runners and walkers, so stay tuned and be ready to be surprised!

Refund policy

Unfortunately, we will not issue any refunds or transfers should you not be able to run on race day. Costs are incurred prior to race day, and profits will be donated to charity, so we cannot make any exceptions to this policy.

Why are we putting on this race?

Most of the crew you will see working the race are students in an Economics of Running class at Linfield University. The class project is to offer an event that encourages students to put their understanding of economic concepts into action. While our primary why is educational, we're happy to provide fitness opportunities, particularly for the running community. If we're fortunate enough to earn a profit on the event, extra monies go to benefit a local charity.