Remote, Rugged, Rewarding.
Backroads and beauty for miles
Sept 5, 2026
07:00 am
The Painted Hills Festival Half Marathon, 10K and 5K take you through some of Oregon's most majestic and rugged scenery. Start your Half Marathon at the mystical Painted Hills and wind your way through remote roads to the historic town of Mitchell, Oregon.
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Water and support stations along the course ensure you're never too far from the encouragement you need.
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Bib pickup is 7am at the Mitchell gym (202 SE High St). Late registration is 6:45am. Shuttle bus will transport you from the gym to the appropriate starting point.
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If you want a race shirt you must register by August 18th. If there are any left over they will be available at the Country Store in the park after the race.
TELL ME ABOUT THE COURSE
If you're up for a challenge, this is a fun course. Elevation is about 800 feet over the course of the half, probably 600 over the 10K. Not a Jeep road, but the early section is 2" to 3" gravel, then smoothing out to a nice surface on the second half of the road. This is definitely NOT a PR course. The 10K is half gravel with a significant elevation gain. The half starts on gravel, then has a few miles of paved road before switching back to a rugged road, finishing on pavement.
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DO ALL RUNNERS START AT THE SAME PLACE AND AT THE SAME TIME?
No, it’s a stagger start….all runners get on the bus at the gym, then are driven out to their respective starting points. The bus takes all racers out to the farthest point, drops off and starts the 1/2 marathon, then drives to the start of the 10k and starts them, then drives to the 5k start point and starts them. The initial start place - for the 1/2 marathon -- is in the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day National Monument.
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PLACES TO STAY
There's some great places to stay in Mitchell. The Painted Hills Cottages are really nice, The Oregon Hotel is right at the finish line. The Skyhook Motel is a good budget option. Thompson Creek Air BnB is outside of town but a very nice option as well. Spoke'n Hostel offers donation based lodging with a bunk room.
For camping I would recommend the Ochoco Divide campground on Highway 26. Although it is approx 20 miles from Mitchell, it is a straight downhill shot to Mitchell.
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WHERE IS BIB PICKUP?
Packet Pickup is at the Mitchell School Gymnasium before the race. The gym shares a parking lot with the Mitchell City Hall at 202 SE High St, Mitchell, OR 97750.
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