This recap was submitted by Run Oregon reader Julie Mullins. Julie also has a personal blog here. Feel free to Submit a Guest Post in the “Contact Us” tab if you want to get involved.
Saturday February 21st I had the opportunity to run “Run Your Tutu off 5k” for the first time. A couple of friends joined me along with Lucy the Boston.This event is a fundraiser hosted by Fitness By Emily to raise funds to provide beds, pillows, sheets, and blanket for children in the community through Benton Furniture Share.The course is deigned for beginning-advanced runners and walkers. Men, women, children and doggies! The 5k was held at Chrystal Lake Park in Corvallis OR.
My friends and I arrived about 9:30 am. We had taken advantage of on-line registration. My paperwork was fine but I did notice a few pre-registered paperwork got messed up somehow and they had to fill out forms again. It didn’t take long. Parking was close and we still had time to go drop off jackets in our vehicles.
About 10:00 we lined up with the other walker/runners and dogs on the paved walking path and were given directions. The sun was out, it was a perfect Oregon morning for a race in the park. Shortly after 10:00 we were off. We ran into the park, down along part of the Willamette River. It was an out and back course. The path was plenty wide to handle the walkers, runners, and their furry pets. It was really beautiful.
About 1 or 1.5 miles in we had some nice rolling hills. At the top of the last hill there was a water station and the turn-a-round. I enjoy an out-and-back because I can see everyone out there enjoying the race. There were people along the course holding signs cheering for everyone making it a fun atmosphere.
At the finish line we were told if we “won” anything. I didn’t win anything but my friends little Boston Lucy sure did (see Matt’s recap for Julie’s fantastic picture of Lucy and her trophy)! The finish line was about a quarter-mile from where we started so we got a cool down walk back to the registration area. I enjoyed getting to walk the short walk back.
We were given goody bags with coupons and candy in them. There were prizes including gift cards to Sports Authority and trophies for different winners. I loved the trophies as they were handmade and just fun! Dutch Bros was there giving out drinks, there were doggie treats for your furry pets. There was also a spread of fruit and bagels. Zoup was there giving out 3 different kinds of their soups, which was a wonderful bonus with the chill in the air.
My friends and I had a wonderful morning running this race. I recommend this one for your 2016 race list It is open to men and women, tutu’s aren’t required but almost everyone was wearing one. Besides, wearing a tutu is just FUN! It’s a great race to do with a friend!