Events can add up and often the more we do, the more we want to do. We’re trying to help you do as many races as possible, without wrecking your budget. These are the latest racing deals we’ve come across. Make sure to send in your race ‘finds’ since the deals often require a bit of a hunt. Often the cheaper events help keep the cost down by limiting their advertising and relying on word of mouth. Check out our latest deals and pass along any we missed.
1-The 4th Annual Stayton River Run
Stayton River Run
Held on Saturday, April 25th at 9AM, the Stayton River Run is a deal and an elementary school fundraiser. For only $10 you can choose from a one-mile fun run, 5k or 10k and anyone under 12 gets to run it for free. The race takes place at Stayton Elementary School (875 N. 3rd Ave in Stayton) and all proceeds benefit their Parent Teacher Club. Shirts are available for purchase online for only $15. Register online or show up early race day to get signed up.
2- Richard Wigney Memorial Run for Autism
Presented by the Bridgeway House and held at Alton Baker Park in Eugene,the Bridgeway Run for Autism utilizes bike paths along the Willamette River through Alton Baker Park in Eugene. Held on Sunday, April 12th, this event offers a 5k and 8k run/walk, both beginning at 9AM. Pick your distance for only $15. Add $15 if you want to include a long sleeve technical shirt and shirts must be ordered by April 3rd. Race day registration will be available for $20 between 7:45-8:45AM. Participants can download an entry form and mail it in, register at the Eugene Running Company (116 Oakway Center) or in person at the Brideway House (3575 Donald Street). Mail in registration must be postmarked by March 31st.
3- Tualatin Road Runner Sports Discovery Run
Discovery Run
Held on Thursday, April 23rd and starting from the Tualatin Road Runners, this event is FREE. Register online and show up for check-in between 5:30PM and 6:30PM. Run or walk as far as you can between 6:30PM and 7:30PM, trying to hit as many checkpoints as possible. Participants collect raffle tickets at the checkpoints, the more checkpoints you hit in the hour run, the greater your chances of winning a prize. Prizes are given with the raffle at the end of the run. Most people average between 3-8 miles and everyone is welcome, including friendly dogs. Widmer will have a beer garden at the finish line for those participants over 21. Register before noon on April 23rd to earn a free beer ticket, otherwise purchase it for $3 and help support the Ethiopia Project.
4- Wild Adventures Willamette Mission Trail Challenge
Run Wild Adventures
Held on Saturday, May 2nd at Willamette Mission State Park (10991 Wheatland Rd.) in Salem, the Willamette Mission Trail Challenge offers a 5k or 10k trail run for only $20. They are the same price, so run the 10k and get more miles for your money. This is a mostly flat and very scenic single or double track course. Friendly pets are welcome, but strollers will not be allowed on the course. Expect mud and the course will be marked with arrows and cones. Day of registration will be offered for $30.
5-The 2nd Annual Garden Gnome Run
Garden Gnome Run
Held Sunday, May 3rd at the Community Services Consortium parking lot (536 SW 2nd Street in Corvallis), the Garden Gnome Run supports Benton County youth. Run the 1k for only $10 or the 5k, 10k or 15k for $25, if you register by April 19th. Add $5 if you register between April 20th and May 2nd and another $5 if you wait until race day to sign up. The course includes flat, paved bike trails through Avery and Pioneer Park. The 10k and 15k runners/walkers will also get to experience Starker Arts Park too. The 1k starts at 9AM, the 5k starts at 9:30AM, and the 10k/15k begins at 9:35AM. All participants will receive a CSC Youth House tomato plant, as well as fun gnome themed swag. Shirts are available to purchase for $15 and must be ordered by April 19th. They also have a fun gnome challenge, offering a $5 gift certificate to the CSC Youth Garden Farmers’ Market Booth, for anyone running a longer distance this year versus last year.
6- Newport Ardor Trail Running Series
A trail race series that offers 5 races, all included in one low price. Held on 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20 and 5/27, the Newport Ardor Trail Running Series is a perfect opportunity to get some speed work for anyone planning on the Newport Marathon. One race a week for 5 weeks, which spreads out the fun. All races are 4.7 miles, will be held on the Mike Warren Trails and participants will receive a course map via email before each race. All 5 races cost $45, if registered by March 31 and $55 if you register later. There will be an awards ceremony after the final race at the Rogue House of Spirits.
7- Birds of Prey Half Marathon and 5k
Birds of Prey Half Marathon and 5k
Held on Sunday, April 19th at the North Bonneville Park Pavilion, the Birds of Prey Half Marathon and 5k both run at 10AM. In its second year, this is an annual fundraiser for Stevenson High School Cross Country Team. The 5k only costs $10 and the Half Marathon is $25. Registration closes on Friday, April 17th. The course starts in the small town of North Bonneville, Washington and takes advantage of riverside trails along Strawberry Island. The course sounds beautiful, with views of Bonneville Dam and a combination of terrain.
8- Oregon Double Anvil Triathlon
Oregon Anvil
Oregon still doesn’t have a trademark Ironman triathlon, but this series offers an Ironman and Double Ironman distance during their multi-sport weekend. Held over July 17-18th at Henry Hagg Lake in Gaston, this is an affordable option to get a Single or Double Ironman checked off your bucket list. Both the Single Anvil and Double Anvil are USAT sanctioned and the Double Anvil is also sanctioned with the International Ultra Triathlon Association. The Single (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run) costs $350 and the Double (4.8 mile swim, 224 mile bike and 52.4 mile run) is $685 through April 15th. Not only is this a fraction of the cost of a trademarked Ironman triathlon, you’ll also save a ton in traveling expenses since Henry Hagg Lake is in our backyard. If an endurance triathlon interests you at all, this is the one to try, a deal and close to home. You can save even more if you turn this into a relay and talk some friends into joining you.
Keep checking back for more budget friendly events and make sure to share with us any you find. Runners love to talk events and the bloggers at Run Oregon are no exception. Tell us about events you’ve come across and let us know if you’ve run any of the our budget friendly suggestions.
