It’s that time of year when runners across the Portland-area begin lacing up their sneakers and looking ahead to the numerous runs, both big and small, that are scheduled for the season. Here’s a quick look at what will be taking place in the next few months:
Oregon Spring Half Marathon – Saturday, May 2nd
Race Size: 500 – 1,000 runners & walkers
Race Length: 5K & Half Marathon
Race Fees: $35 for 5K run/walk, $75 half marathon
Race Details: The first in a series of three races highlighting Oregon’s varying seasons (Summer’s will be July 18th, Fall’s on Sept. 12th), this run is held at St. Josef’s Winery in Aurora with an amazing post-race party held in the beautiful banquet room and patio and catered by Qdoba Mexican Grill. While the public can take part in the 5K or half marathon, two young boys, ages 6 & 8, will be attempting to set a new record in their age categories for a 15K. Make sure to keep an eye out for them on the course and provide lots of cheering!
Walk/Run for the Animals – Saturday, May 2nd
Race Size: 500-1,000 runners & walkers (plus their dogs!)
Race Length: 5K run or walk
Race Fees: $35, 12 & under are free
Race Details: One of the only dog-friendly timed runs in the Northwest, participants have the choice of a scenic 3 mile walk along the Columbia River or 5K out & back run through historic Fort Vancouver. Several prizes will be awarded to fastest woman, fastest man, and fastest under 13 year old, prizes for top fundraisers, plus great goodie bags for all – and their pooches!
Cinco de Mayo Run/Walk – Sunday, May 3rd
Race Size: 1,000 – 5,000 runners & walkers
Race Length: 5K, 10K, Kids’ half-miler
Race Fees: 5K $49 – $54, 10K $54 – $64, Kids’ Run $10 – $12 (prices vary depending on when you register)
Race Details: In its 12th year, the Cinco de Mayo Run/Walk begins and ends at Pioneer Courthouse Square, winding through the streets of downtown Portland. Live Mariachi music is featured along the route as well as after the run at the post-race party where participants can enjoy two complimentary Lagunitas beers and tasty food from Pepinos. ¡Olé!
Hippie Chick Quarter & Half Marathon – Saturday, May 9th
Race Size: 1,000 – 5,000 runners & walkers
Race Length: Quarter Marathon, Half Marathon, Kids’ Fun Run (ages 3 – 10)
Race Fees: $89 – $119, Kids’ Run Free (prices vary depending on when you register)
Race Details: Beginning and ending at Hillsboro Ballpark, runners and walkers alike will enjoy the scenic tree-lined streets and fun post-race pancake breakfast and mimosas! Participants are encouraged to wear the best hippie attire and prizes will be award to the best-dressed free spirits!
A Reason to Run – Saturday, May 9th
www.a-reason-to-run.org
Race Length: 5K, Kids’ Fun Run
Race Fees: $30, Kids’ Run is free unless you want a tshirt, then it’s $10
Race Details: This 3rd annual race is held to help raise money and awareness to support various community organizations that reach out to those in need and to help them overcome their hardships. Held at Marine Park in Vancouver, WA, the course will parallel the Columbia River and provide walkers and runners with amazing views. A multigenerational event, there will be plenty to entertain participants of all ages including a game and craft area for kids sponsored by Kazoodles, tons of prizes, and a special gift for all moms!
Run Mama Run – Sunday, May 10th
Race Length: 5K walk/run, 10k run, Kids’ Run
Race Fees: $49, Kids’ Run free
Race Details: A family affair, parents get to cheer on their kids during the Kids’ Run and then the kids get to cheer on their mamas (and papas!) held at lush Mt. Tabor park. Afterwards have a family photo taken by a professional photographer and enjoy a complimentary breakfast, raffle, and crafts for the kids! 100% of the proceeds benefit Adoption Mosaic!
Run Like a Mother – Sunday, May 10th
Race Length: 5K, Kids’ Fun Run (ages 4-11)
Race Fees: $45, Kids’ Run $25
Race Details: Held to celebrate a woman’s journey toward health and wellness, this 5K race is held at Cook Park in Tigard and will follow the Tualatin River along a beautiful course. And, of course, a fun post-race party will follow afterwards!
Portland Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon – Sunday, May 17th
Race Size: 1,000 – 5,000 runners
Race Length: 10K, Half Marathon
Race Fees: 10K $55, Half Marathon $95
Race Details: The most rockin’ run in town, this race begins and ends at Waterfront Park downtown and includes two bridge crossings and a fun route through East Portland as well. Every mile expect a live band to keep the party going as well as admission to the post-race headliner concert featuring Portugal.The Man, tons of giveaways, and free beer!
Legacy Health Starlight Run – Saturday, May 30
Race Size: 5,000 – 10,000
Race Length: 5K run
Race Fees: Adult $20-$30 Youth $10-$20 5 years & under $5-$10 (prices vary depending on when you register)
Race Details: In it’s 37th year, the Starlight Run is the largest fun run in the Northwest with an estimated 8,000 runners each year and takes runners along the PGE/SOLVE Starlight Parade route in front of 200,000 enthusiastic spectators! The pre-race party, held on the Lincoln High School football field, features the costume contest judging, exhibits, numerous giveaways, games and kids’ activities, and live music!
Twelve Bridges Relay – Saturday, May 30th
Race Size: 100 – 500 runners
Race Length: 65 mile, 12 leg relay
Race Fees: Team of 6 $420 Team of 4 $280 Team of 3 $210 Team of 2 $140 Solo $70
Race Details: Held 26 miles west of Portland in North Plains, these 12 leg relay takes teams of six or less runners through beautiful rural Washington County on the Banks-Vernonia Trail, crossing twelve historic bridges, over cool streams, and along blooming meadows. Teams must provide one volunteer to assist in the race or hire one for $50. There is an 80 team limit, so registration must be completed by April 30th.
Ecliptic Beer Mile – Sunday, May 31st
Race Length: 1 mile Fun Run
Race Fees: $30
Race Details: This down & back professionally timed fun run begins at Ecliptic Brewery, heads down Mississippi Avenue and then back up the steep hill to finish at the brewery. Runners get to enjoy a beer pre-race and are then rewarded with a second cold brew after they make it back up the hill! With proceeds benefiting the Oregon Food Bank, participants are encouraged to bring at least one can of food to either the packet pickup day or race day.