A brand-new race for 2015
There are a lot of Fourth of July races, giving you many options to choose from – various locations, distances, and race atmospheres. Of course, if there’s one you and your friends or family love, stick with it – but if you’re interested in trying something new, here are quite a few to consider.
They are listed by city, with the cities in alphabetical order. Click on the race name for info and registration.
Ashland
39th Annual 4th of July Run A fund raiser for the Ashland and Phoenix High School XC teams, this event offers a 10k run and a 2-mile walk. Register by July 2 online or DOR with credit card only from 6:30a-7:30a for $30. Kids 12 and under participate for only $10.
Beaverton
It wouldn’t be a holiday without an Uberthons race, and this 4th of July is no exception. Running on what are probably the flattest streets in all of Beaverton, the Freedomthon 5k starts at 7:30a and is followed up with a pancake breakfast at 8a. And, just like other Uberthons races, this one has huge finisher medals. This event attracts families and speedsters, with the website touting that in the past two races, there have been six finishers under 16:05. There are also kids runs; free for the littlest runners and $10 for the “big kids.” Registration is open online until 11p on 7/3 for $30.
Bend
This family-friendly race starts off with a kids race for ages 10 and younger, then a 5k at 8:15, and then a 1k Heart Walk at 8:30a. Hosted at Riverbend Park, the 5k is $25 and the kid’s 1k Dash is $15.
Central Point
You can register online through July 2 for this race for the 5k ($25) and the mile ($15); there is also a kid’s fun run for ages 5-12 that is free.
Eugene
Aquafina Oregon Track Club Butte to Butte 10k and 5k runs and 4.5-miler walk
This race offers something for everyone. Yes, there is a big hill. A huge one, in fact. But the downhill is wonderful and the last mile or so is well-supported and shady. It’s a large field, yet low-key, and there tends to be a pretty competitive group of participants along with those just out for a fun run. Sign up online by July 3 for $30 (only $20 with no tech shirt). Families with young kids will like that with each adult registration, one child can run for free and any additional children can be signed up for only $10.
Hillsboro
C.A.T. stands for Cancer Awareness and Treatment. This Fourth of July tradition is well-attended and run on a parade route lined with spectators for most of the course. Kids five and younger can be signed up for no charge; up to age 12 can sign up for $20 (with a shirt), and 13+ can register for $25 (with a shirt). There is also a virtual option called the “Catnap” for $25 which includes the shirt.
Hood River
4th of July Kollas & Cranmer Memorial Run – 40th Anniversary
The unique distance – 7.4 miles – reflects the date of this event, which is only $10 if you don’t want the event shirt. Age groups are broken out by decade, with special groups for Grades 1-5, 6-8 and 9-12. And it’s a downhill race. The website touts the starting elevation as 732 feet, and the max elevation as 732 feet. Walkers may start early, and those with dogs or strollers must start before the 9a regular start time.
Thanks to Gary Daubenspeck for telling us about this one
Independence
Independence Day 10k/5k (a Run With Paula event)
Is there any better city in which to run a 4th of July race than one named “Independence”? This run, through the Rogue Farms, brings together great Oregon beer, delicious food, and local music all in one spot. Paula does a great job with all her races and this one is sure to be no exception! Register online for $49.
Molalla
This is a Run Oregon “Best of” race, earning the nod back when we did voting in 2013. In fact, a few of our bloggers are taking this race on! Run on a city parade route right before the floats start moving and bands start playing, the crowd support at this race is amazing and fun. Following the 5k (which starts at 9:20) is the parade, which starts at 9:30. Funds raised go to the local VFW and the Molalla Chamber of Commerce. Sign up online for $26 or DOR for $30.
Pendleton
Tough Enough to Wear Pink Let’er Buck 5k and Kids Dash ‘n’ Splash
The 5k run is $25 and the Kids Dash ‘n’ Splash is only $15.00, followed by the 4th of July parade. You can make additional donations as well, which will benefit local warriors and survivors of breast cancer. The Kids Dash ‘n’ Splash registration includes an admission to the Pendleton Aquatic Center, and pizza and soda after the run at Roy Raley Park. The 5k starts at 8a and the Dash ‘n’ Splash at 9a, to finish up in time for the parade at 10a.
Thanks to Madelyn Naughton for letting us know about this one.
Riddle
This is an out-and-back 5k that is part of the town’s Sawdust Jubilee festival, starting at 9a. The $20 registration fee supports the Riddle High School track and field team. Register day of race at the Riddle Community Center at 123 Parkside Street.
Saint Helens
5k/10k Celebration Fun Run (click on the image in this post to see the flyer)
New for 2015 is this race (click on the image to see the flyer for more info) in Saint Helens. The 5k registration is $25, with the kid’s 1/2 mile Yankee Doodle Run at $15. Register day of race between 7a-7:45a for the 8:15a start time. The run starts and finishes at Columbia View Park and Plaza. This is a good chance to see Saint Helens in the daylight, if your only exposure to the city is at 2a during Hood to Coast.
Sauvie Island
Foot Traffic Flat Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k and NEW Farm Fest 8k
There’s a reason the word “flat” is in this race’s name. It’s FLAT. It is also very popular so if you aren’t yet registered, do it now. Finishers get sweet medals and delicious strawberry shortcake at this well-supported event. If you register before race day, the full is $90, the half is $72, the 5k is $39, and the Farm Fest 8k (an off-road event) is $39.
Wilsonville
ORRC members can register online for free if they sign up before July 1. Otherwise, it’s $5. Non-members register for only $5 as well if you register online. Day of race registration is $10. There is also a kids’ race and plenty of treats for everyone. Official results are not recorded, but a clock is set up for participants to time themselves. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for the “best” (voted by applause) costumes; and a raffle for all participants.
