Located on the east side of town near Walla Walla Community College, runners and walkers will be treated to views of the Blue Mountains with rolling fields of wheat and grapevines and fall foliage. The trail surfaces start with asphalt nature paths. Once the run route reaches Bennington Lake, runners will run on gravel service roads. The half marathon will include a section of out and back on a chip sealed county road returning to loop back onto the last half of the 10K route. The race meanders through open grasslands and wooded areas with stunning views of the surrounding valley.
This is NOT a fast and flat course! It includes rolling hills with elevation gain on the way out and high speed returns on mile 6-8 of the half and the last two miles of both the 10K and half marathon.
What to Expect: Finisher medal, food truck, local craft beers (one free beer per runner for those 21 years of age or older or root beer), music, and food tent for runners, results ceremonies and lots of cheering!
Important info for Onionman to be posted for this year (maybe this is a one pager that pops up at the beginning of the website since the event is coming up?):
NEW RACE START TIME
8:30am, Saturday, May 19, 2024
ONIONMAN PACKET PICK UP & RACE SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, May 17, 2024: Packet pickup 4-6pm at Bicycle Barn (*please pick up on Friday if you are able) 1503 E Isaacs Ave., Walla Walla
SATURDAY, May 19, 2023: 6:45 – 7:45am packet pickup at Bennington Lake
Mandatory pre race briefing 8:00am at transition
RACE START:
8:30am Triathlon wave starts Swim waves: The 1st WAVE will be the competitive/elite field followed by all others in 4 separate waves. Assigned swim caps will coordinate with swim waves.
COURSE:
The two loop clockwise swim will be followed by an absolutely incredible view of the Walla Walla valley on the bike course finishing up with a run on some high-quality single track trails, a short section of gravel road and then 3 miles of asphalt walking trail on an out and back run course along Mill Creek.
PARKING:
Parking is limited at Bennington Lake. Early arrivals will park in the main parking area and over flow parking will be on the Bennington Lake dam, a short walk to the transition area. Athletes will be given a parking pass at packet pick up. Only athletes and their vehicle will be allowed to park on the Bennington Lake Dam. Spectators need to show up early to park in the main parking lot, or plan on walking to the event site from either Rooks Park or the Core of Engineers project office parking area.
ACCESS:
The access road to Bennington Lake will be closed by 8:30am and no traffic will be allowed to enter until the majority of the bicycles have exited the transition area at approximately 10:00am.