The Rat Race is an annual paragliding competition held at Woodrat Mnt. in Ruch, Oregon. The 5 day event is founded by MPH Sports (Mike & Gail Haley). This years competition involved 100+ paraglider pilots from all over the world. 

Above: Day 1, prior to the pilot meeting and opening of the launch window.

Above: Josh Cohn, front of the line gearing up for launch.
Josh was the 2004 Rat Race winner,and first US pilot to fly 200+ miles (in 2001)

Above: The launch window opens, and Josh is off.
left background: Tom Chesnut and Richi Mantilla assist launches

Above: One after another, pilots luanch!

Above: Will Gadd takes advantage of the North Launch

Above: One of my favorites.
Mike Preston on west launch,,, notice the wing and sky reflecting in his glasses.

Above: Steve launching into a flight that later required a reserve deployment. After some big turbulence and a collapse near Burnt Ridge, Steve made the wise choice to throw his reserve.
Steve makes the best Margaritas!

Above Left: David Salmon just after launching

       Above Left: Tim Oneill                                              Above Right: Hayden Glatte (local pilot)

Above: Gaggles forming over launch 

Above: Josh Cohn's wing after finishing goal on the final day of the competition.
What an awesome event!