Dallas is a small-ish city in Polk County – about 20 minutes west of Salem. Despite its relatively small size, it does host a handful of really solid races throughout the year – as do many of the small cities in this farming and winery filled county. One such race is the 2015 Dragon Run, which will be taking place again this year on Saturday, April 11. The race begins at Whitworth Elementary School and ends at Dallas High School, home of the Dragons! Like in years past, they are offering a 5k and an assortment of fun run distances that are perfect for the kiddos. All proceeds are going to benefit the Dallas Education Foundation.
The 5k course will be a combination of grass running and paved pathways. It will actually pass by all schools in the city – the elementary, middle, and high school – so you will get a good look at the schools your money is going to.
One neat little component to the race is that all participants run the exact same route, just starting at different distances away from the finish. Kindergartners start just outside of the Dallas High School stadium -running about 1/4 of a mile; first and second graders start a little further away; third and fourth graders start even a bit further away; and the rest of the runners all the way back to the starters of the 5k. All age groups start at the same time and end combining together before the end. If you are fast enough, you may even get to offer some encouragement to the kiddos you will pass along the course!
There will be electronic timing on site too. Despite the city’s small size, there were quite a few participants in 2014. A quick estimate puts the number somewhere areoun 225 or so. Follow the race on Facebook for more info!
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2015
Time: 10:00 A.M.
Location: Whitworth Elementary School, 1151 SE Miller Ave, Dallas, Oregon
Distances: 5k, 1.5 mi, 1 mi., 1/4 mi., and 1/2 mi.
Registration Fees: Online here; $20+ $2.50 service charge for 5k; $15 + $2.50 service charge for fun run distances; Family/Group Rate (4 or more) discount $3 per runner; includes shirt and medal