First Thursday is this Thursday

Who's ready for a little run, a little party, and a lot of fun? This Thursday is the June First Thursday Urban Adventure Run at Fit Right Running and Walking in NW Portland. The June First Thursday run is something special, too: As part of Fit Right's "City Challenge" in which they're pitting their Portland-area runners against runners from Minneapolis. The competition isn't about running though ... this time around, it's to see which city can collect the most books to be donated to charity! Andy Carson, that lovable runner runner from KPTV-FOX 12 will be the special guest emcee.

This is a free group run and walk, a self-paced urban scavenger hunt of sorts, in which participants get to as many checkpoints as they can in the hour to collect raffle tickets for awesome prizes.

Here’s how it works:

You check out the maps, which are unveiled at 6p, to see where you can collect raffle tickets. Then you go off on your own, with a group of friends, or with folks you’ve just met. (Everyone is very welcoming.) Strollers and friendly dogs on leashes are invited, too.

Return to the event site by 7p to listen for your raffle numbers to see if you win anything, and enjoy a free beer (if you’re 21 and have your ID) while listening to great music and chatting it up. It’s a fun atmosphere and you should definitely check it out!

This month’s sponsors include Widmer Brothers Brewing, Mizuno, Garmin, Freshii, Nathan Hydration, the Cascade Lakes Relay, Feetures, Solemates, Franz Bakery … and at least 10 more!

The vitals:

When: Thursday, June 5, 2014

What time: 6p

Where: The Con-Way parking lot at NW 20th and Raleigh and all around NW and even, sometimes, SW and NE PDX

Register: Online here for free – you register ahead of time and you get extra raffle tickets. This month, you can also register early to get a $5 off coupon for your Lacamas Lake registration!