This route combines my two loves, trail running and summiting volcanoes! I have been eyeing this Epic for a good year but wanted an "in season" summit of Mt. Hood under my belt before I attempted a solo out of season push. Definitely treated the whole attempt conservatively, especially the summit, with the goal to come off the summit unscathed and ready to complete the loop.
Hit the trails at 3:36am
Slow and steady up to the summit, with mostly snow travel after the first two miles. I somehow lost my phone near hot rocks! I summited through Manzama chute which was definitely in need of ice axe/whippit, helmet and crampons. The top quarter of the chute was a chossy mix of ice and ruble. Summited in about 3.5 hr (7:06 am). Down climbing the top quarter of the chute was probably the sketchiest part of this route. Luckily no one up climbing during the same time, with plenty of debris following me down the chute. Made is back to hot rocks just as another group was headed up and found my phone! Had to get a quick pic since I missed my obligatory summit photo.
Took it easy on the downhill back to the car, guided by previous reports of people blowing up their quads before the 40 mile run. Was back to the car in less than 2 hrs (~8:35am - total time 5:10). I quickly switched into trail running gear, ~13min - making this self-supported, and hit the trail counterclockwise around 9am - total time 5:26.
Again, took the effort pretty conservative, hiking with purpose on the uphill and running downhills. Mostly overcast but pretty toasty through the day. The day was filled with epic views with what seemed like most people going in the clockwise direction. I had a slight "detour" around Copper Spur and started running up to the Glacier, similarly some doubling backing around Bald Mountain. The .gpx posted was a little wonky the last quarter of the route so I followed signs for Timberline route. Detours and second guessing directions probably cost 45-1hr but with the views and lovely trail I couldn’t get too frustrated.
The section of blown out trees from mile ~38 - 42 definitely slowed down the run-ability of the trail but I took it as an opportunity to mow down my last bits of real food. I really wish I brought maybe one or two more cashew butter and huckleberry jam sandwiches. The last 8 miles I was moving on liquid calories, gummy bears and gu's. Saw an amazing sunset and pounded out the last uphill to finish the route around 10:23pm for a total time of 18:47:38 - 50.65 miles 16,495 ft elevation gain!
I think a couple hours can be shaved off this route for the woman simply by charging the downhill from the summit, not taking "detours" and bringing one or two more sandwiches. Someone had to put up a time for the ladies so I think this is a good starting point. If any ladies want to do a same-sex attempt in the next year, hit me up!