One of Southern Oregon’s most famous events is gearing up for its 39th annual run. On Saturday April 11, 2015 The Pear Blossom Run is at it again. With a classic 10 mile course along with a great 5k, 2-mile, and 1-mile Mayor’s Cup run there is something for everyone. With over 4,600 registered runners from 14 states last year this is sure to be a can’t miss event. Make sure to stick around after for the Pear Blossom Parade through downtown as well.
Registration can be done here online and if done before April 4th offers a $10 savings on the 10 mile and 5k. Packet pick-up is Friday the 10th from 10am – 7pm and starting at 6am on Saturday at the Rogue Valley Family YMCA. Parking is available in the downtown area as well as the YMCA lot and Spiegelberg stadium, a printable map is available here.
The events kick off at 7am with the 5k followed by the Mayor’s Cup awards and 1 mile run at 7:30 and 7:50 respectively. Starting at 8am there will be a YMCA free open house and pancake feed going until 10am. At 8am scholarships will be awarded at the flagpole in front of Medford City Hall. The 10 mile wheelchair division starts off at 8:10 and the rest take off at 8:20. The last group to takeoff will be at 8:30 for the 2-mile mayors cup run. Those running in the 1 mile fun run can line back up and do the 2 mile using the same bib at no additional cost.
Race proceeds benefit qualifying high school senior runners and local schools plus Southern Oregon kids and families. To apply for a 2015 scholarship complete an application form and return it postmarked no later than March 20, 2015. Over $90,000 in college scholarship monies have been awarded since 1985 to graduating Jackson County high school seniors who have been active in cross-country or long distance running. Winners are selected for running ability and academic standing plus recommendations from teachers and coaches.
New for 2015 is Medals for all 10 mile and 5k finishers along with ribbons for top 3 in all age groups. Each fun run finisher receives a ribbon, and there will be over 200 random prize drawings. For the first male and female finisher in the 10 mile a $250 gift certificate will be awarded and for the 5k $100 gift certificate.
The 10 mile run and 5k are chip timed runs. The 10 mile course is a classic run that is fast, flat, out and back with one hill and the 5k is the same. This was the second race I have ever participated in and I did the 10 miler and loved the course. There are plenty of aid stations and spectators to cheer you on. The 10 mile course has a time limit of 2:55 while the 5k has a 60 minute limit. No animals, skateboards, bikes, or jogging strollers on the 10 mile course, but jogging strollers are allowed on the 5k and Mayor’s Cup runs.
What: The Pear Blossom Run
When: Saturday, April 11th, 2015 Events start at 7:30 am
Where: Rogue Valley Family YMCA 522 W. 6th St. Medford, OR
Register: Online here
Cost: Through April 4th the 10 mile cost is $26 and after is $36. The 5k run is $20 through April 4th and $30 after. The Mayor’s Cup is $7 with registration open until April 11. Shirts are available for $12 and $8 for Mayor’s Cup shirts.
