Race Preview: Corvallis Half Marathon 4/12/2015 (Corvallis, OR)

Two major milestones occur in the coming days for the Corvallis Half Marathon. February 28th is the last day to register before the price increase. March 1st is the last day to register and be guaranteed an event shirt!

The Corvallis Half Marathon has been a staple in the running community for a number of years. Speaking with my running friends, I always hear so many accolades for this event, and many runners consider this a kick-off event to the race season, as it is perfectly timed during our (usually) wonderful spring weather in the Willamette Valley. This year, the Corvallis Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 12, with a 9:30 a.m. start time. For racers who keep their eyes peeled for a prize purse; I am happy to report that there is a prize purse for the Corvallis Half Marathon, and it is pretty appealing! The total purse is $2,500 (wow)! In the open men and women field, 1st place finishers will receive $500, 2nd place $300, and 3rd place $200. In the masters (40+) for men and women, 1st place is $250. You are only eligible for one payout, so if you are a masters runner and place in the top three, you will receive the greater amount, not both. 

Looking for a walker friendly event? I’m happy to report that walkers are welcome to participate in the half marathon, and the course will be open for 4.5 hours, which is about a 20 minute per mile page. There is also a brand new 5k occurring Saturday, April 11 for runners or walkers who want to double-dip, and take in two races in one weekend. I love doing this! Run Oregon blogger Geli wrote about the Corvallis 5k here.

Ok, so let me get into the details. The chip-timed half marathon takes place on Sunday, April 12 at 9:30 a.m. The start location is a very short walk from Reser Stadium, at 26th and Washington, on the Oregon State University campus. Ample parking is available for free at Reser Stadium. Same day packet pick-up is available, and begins at 7 a.m. at Reser Stadium. Packet pick-up also available on Saturday to avoid the crowds. Bag check is permitted, so feel free to bring that extra change of clothes, or something to keep you warm prior to the start.

The course has been billed as mostly flat, with two gradual ascents and descents. We’ll be treated to a tour of the Oregon State University grounds during the first ~4 miles of the course, with a nice straight-away on SW Campus Way after some curves through side streets. There is a covered bridge that we will pass after aid station 1 (very cool!). Just prior to mile 6, we will jet onto NW Oak Creek Drive for another straight stretch that will take us to the ~9 mile point, where we will zoom through some quiet neighborhoods for about a mile. Once past mile 10, it is a another straight away through mile 12. At mile 12, we’ll take another small tour through the Oregon State University campus as we proceed to the finish line which is on the 50 yard line of Reser Stadium, folks! Yippee!!!! There is a very nice narration of the half marathon course available here. A well laid out .pdf version is also available for review here.

After crossing the finish line (on the 50 yard line of Reser Stadium, might I re-remind you!) all participants will have access to post-race food and beverage. Block 15 will have a beer garden available, and participants will be able to choose from root beer or a couple of brews that will be on tap. Spectators, you are invited in on the goodness, too! “Grab a bite and a brew while your athlete is out on course. The food and beverage garden will be up and running after the starting gun goes off. More information on menu items and costs to come soon.” Just think, you can grab some food, beverage … sit in the stands at Reser Stadium, and watch all the half marathoners come in and cross the finish line. Sounds pretty awesome.

I’ll be there representing Run Oregon Blog at the Corvallis Half Marathon this year. I hope to see lots and lots of you out there kicking the pavement and taking in a nice, mostly flat tour of Corvallis! Remember – race price increase and shirt deadline is fast approaching! So don’t miss out and get registered!

Date: Sunday, April 12, 2015
Distance: Half marathon
Start Time: 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $70 thru Feb. 28. $80 thru April 5.
Register: Click here to register