Steens Mountain Running Camp

Since 1975, Steens Mountain Running Camp, located in Southeastern Oregon, has given campers the unique experience of running, hiking, and exploring through a breath-taking wilderness. Runners ages 13-19 will be given group and individual instruction on all areas of distance training and racing at high altitudes, as well as motivational and self-image enhancement strategies. 

While “urban conveniences” will not be found at Steens, there is much fun to be had and lifelong friends to be made. Four western states can be seen from the crest of the 9,773 foot mountain, and runners get to train at sites such as the Blitzen and Big Indian Gorges, Kiger Ridge, and McCoy Creek Canyon where runners and backpackers are few. Besides running, campers get the chance to participate in the Steens Olympics which take place the last day. 

Activities include an 8 by 400 meter relay, an arm hang, a tug of war, and finish with an uphill 5K race. Camp participants can even earn physical education college credit through Southern Oregon University at Steens.  

“The camp always kept me busy, it was never boring,” said Michael Brown, a seventeen-year-old who attended the camp last year. "The food was amazing," Brown said, and he found the camp’s clinics, on subjects from why skill drills are important to what stretches are good for which problems to be helpful.   

Steens’ director is Harland Yriarte, former Lane Community College Athletic director,  who formally coached Lane Community College’s and Brookings Harbor High School’s cross country and track teams. Other staff members include Kelly Sullivan, Oregon State University’s women’s cross country and track coach, and Marnie Mason, head cross country coach at Southern Oregon University.

A more detailed listing can be found on the website.   

2007 summer camp dates and prices are as follows:

Session 1: July 22 – 28, cost: $395.

Session 2: July 29 - August 4, cost: $425.

More information, including how to register, what to bring, and how to get there can be found on the camp’s website: http://www.steensmountainrunningcamp.net. You can also call Steens at 541-342-2337or email them at \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .