(c) Terrapin Events
Last fall, several downtown races had issues with trains, and runners were very annoyed (to say the least) to be stopped at railroad crossings for extended periods of time. In response, Terrapin Events has promised to overhaul their race courses to not cross any rails at all! Bridge to Brews this year also is changing its starting location from Widmer Brewing to Lillis Albina Park (just a few blocks east of Widmer), which will give it enough space to add a brew fest and beer tasting to its post-race activities. Additionally, in one press release Terrapin promised the upper deck of the Fremont Bridge to be fully closed to traffic!
Bridge to Brews 2014 course map
(c) Terrapin Events
Despite the changes to the course, if you have run Bridge to Brews in the past, the route will be familiar to you. The 8k and 10k start at the same time and follow a lot of the same course. From the start line near Lillis Albina Park, runners will head north to the on-ramp to the Fremont Bridge. The one mile long bridge crossing offers beautiful views, and if you’re okay with losing a few seconds off your time, bring your camera for a selfie on top of the bridge. Runners will come off the bridge at Glisan Street, then head north on 14th Ave. At 14th & Overton, 8k-ers turn right, while 10k runners turn left for a zig-zaggy out and back detour. The joint 8k/10k course then heads east, zigzag again to cross the Broadway Bridge, north on Interstate Ave, and back to the finish at the park. This course is mostly flat, except for the elevation loss off the Fremont Bridge, and a short, but not insignificant, hill just before the finish.
The race entry includes beer tasting tokens for the post-race festival, and there will be enough variety to please everybody. So far the confirmed beer vendors include Widmer Brothers, Lagunitas Brewing, Stormbreaker Brewing, Laurelwood Brewing, Burnside Brewing, Reverend Nate’s Hard Cider, and Tesoaria Winery.
Registration cost is $44 for the 8k or 10k, $99 for the VIP experience (outlined in Matt’s race preview), and $5 for the kids’ half miler. Register before March 25th to avoid the price hike to the “Lazy Larry’s Poop on my Parade” pricing of $54.
Bridge to Brews (Portland)
When: Sunday, April 6th, 2014; 8:40am first wave start
Where: Lillis Albina City Park, Portland
Register: Online here or mail-in the form
