Run Oregon guest blogger Mel Ortiz is our resident “Costumed Runner”. She writes a monthly post about her adventures in running. Feel free to Submit a Guest Post in the “Contact Us” tab if you want to get involved.
Pictured: Bridge of the Gods early morning. Photographer: Sarita Amaya
Pre-Race Packet Pick Up
Pictured: Bridge of the Goddess tech shirt and tote. Photographer: Sarita Amaya
They made it easy for runners for packet pick up at their Beaverton location on the Thursday prior to the race and their SE Downtown location for a Friday pick up. I loved all the goodies that came with this run which included not only the beautiful finisher medal but also a finisher necklace….and a free dinner to the Old Spaghetti Factory.
The Day of the Race
First of all Paula Harkin with “Run With Paula Events” knows how to put on a race. This was the first Bridge of the Goddess run set in beautiful Cascade Locks. The weather was a little chilly with the morning winds but would prove perfect once we started running.
The views were stunning and I was giddy with my running buddy Sarita to be able to see what we saw on the bridge which is usually for motor vehicles which were stopped until our race started.
Pictured: View from the Bridge of the Gods at 7AM. Photographer: Sarita Amaya
The other half of the Run With Paula Events’ Dave Harkin gave last minute tips on where we need to start and what to expect with this race.
I was still amazed on how far up we were and how you can see the water below. Don’t look down….don’t look down.
Pictured: Mel Ortiz looking down on the Bridge of the Gods. Photographer: Mel Ortiz
The race starting line was at the center of the Bridge of the Gods with an out and back on the historical Columbia River Highway trail. Lots of hills to challenge any runner with some nice downhill to the finish that was at Marine Park in Cascade Locks, OR with pancakes, fruit, water, and a Beer Garden from Thunder Island Brewing Company.
My running costume as Medusa (Greek maiden punished by Goddess Athena) was a hit with the crowd and a cute two year old who couldn’t stop coming up to me. It was easy to run in since the wig was made of foam and very lightweight. It only proved challenging once we got to the finish at Marine Park due to the high winds coming from the water. I had to hold both the wig and my Facebook oversized “Like” sign to be able to finish.
Pictured (left to right): Mel Ortiz as Medusa and Sarita Amaya. Photographer: Fellow runner
I even made new friends with fellow costume running enthusiasts and mother and daughter Laura Tiers and Allison Reid. They spotted me after the turnaround around at mile 4. Allison called to ask if I ever dressed up as Bacon in other runs and I said….”YES!” Her mother Laura sped up to get a selfie with me photobombing her in the back. She shared that one of her running goals is to both PR and beat Bacon! I adores their zest for life and I’ll bet she will hit that PR and beat Bacon goal soon.
Thank you again to Paula and Dave and their team of amazing volunteers. We are definitely signing up for 2015 and bringing a whole army of goddesses to run with us.
Pictured (left to right): Mother and daughter dynamic running team Laura Tiers (blond hair) and Allison Reid. Photographer: Sarita Amaya
