Race Preview: Inaugural 2015 Lucky Dog 5k, 10k, 15k (Portland, OR)

Sometimes you're in the mood for a raucous race in the heart of the city, surrounded by thousands of your fellow runners, and sometimes you just want everyone to get the hell out of your way so you can PR/ get to the finish/ enjoy your day. If the latter mood is what strikes your fancy this year, the Lucky Dog race has your lucky number. "Leave the crowds and craziness behind," race directors Tina and Patric Langley of Double Dog Dare U Events offer. "Enjoy this super low-key St Patrick's Day themed run/walk event along the peaceful and paved Rock Creek Trail in NW Portland." Yes, please.

2014 was a banner year for me, full of numerous name-brand, fancy races (Rock n’ Roll Seattle, just about ALL the wine-themed races) and big life events (new job, wedding, first house). This year, I’m searching for voluntary simplicity and peace to counterbalance 2014– fewer races with more intimate company and as much greenery as possible. Lucky Dog, which benefits Westview High School Cross Country, fits that bill. How do I know? For one, location, location, location. Second, although you may not have heard of this race as it is in its first year, you might be familiar with other intimate events put on by Double Dog Dare U Events, like the Bald Peak Half or Run Oregon’s favorite 12 Bridges Relay along the Banks-Vernonia Trail. Here are the details to get you going with this year’s Inaugural Lucky Dog 5k, 10k, 15k:

WHERE: Westview High School, 4200 NW 185th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97229

WHEN: Sat., Mar. 14, 2015

STARTING TIMES: 15k Run – 8:00 a.m.; 10k Walk/Run – 8:15 a.m.; 5k Walk/Run – 8:30 a.m.

$$$: $20 – 5k (walk or run); $25 – 10k (walk or run); $30 – 15k (run only)

SWAG: Awards and raffle prizes at the finish.

PARKING: Plenty of it at Westview High School

PACKET PICK UP: Day of race starting at 7:00 am. 15k packet pickup cutoff will be at 7:45 am; 10k cutoff at 8:00 am; 5k cutoff at 8:15 am.

PROXIMITY TO COFFEE: 3 minute drive if you’re willing to accept 7-Eleven as a viable option, a few blocks down the road.

VOLUNTEER: You can sign up to volunteer for your race community here.