Marilyn and I jointly completed a post on running and drinking, so when I heard about a race with a Sake Festival, in my hometown, I knew I needed to check it out. The 5k takes place on Saturday, March 28, 2015.
This looks to be a small low-key event that is run in conjunction with the Cherry Blossom Festival celebrating spring. The 5k run/walk course is not posted, but is described as occuring under the cherry blossoms at the Oregon Capitol Mall. I work in downtown Salem near the Capitol and can offer first hand experience how awesome this area is when the blossoms are in bloom. Therew ill be Japanese taiko drummers when the race enters the downtown mall area, and the rest of the course will weave through the nearby World War II Memorial (really cool) and Wilson Park.
The festival itself occurs over a span of weeks and features events like the Cherry City Music Festival, Cherry City Comic Con, and this race as well. Cherry Blossom day is March 28th and according to the website:
There will be a Japanese element, as cherry blossom picnics, called “hanami,” are a popular tradition this time of year in Japan.
This cheap race will also include a drink ticket for either Japanese sake, beer, hard cider, or spirits (non-alcoholic beverages will also be available). There will be a free half mile kids race as well for the young ones.
Cherry Blossom 5k (Salem)
When: Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 930a
Where: Oregon State Capitol
Register: Online here; $15, $20 after 3/23; Family discount for families of 4+ for the 5k.
