Here’s how you can get free registration to all ORRC events

Go ahead and say it - free registration at all ORRC events would be pretty cool. Well, it's a huge perk that comes with being a race director for this non-profit Portland-based club. I served as a race director for the ORRC Hagg Lake 25k/50k for six years, with my husband Eric and our friend (and owner of Go Beyond Racing) Todd Janssen. This year, I've decided to switch gears and am working with two other volunteers to organize the ORRC Up the Lazy River 10k on Memorial Day. It's a one-day race in West Linn - a little easier to manage than the two-day event at Hagg Lake! As a new race director with ORRC, you are paired with an experienced RD who will guide you through your specific tasks. What your role is depends on what your strengths are, or what you want to learn. For example, if you want to learn about the permit process, course mapping and approval, and road safety volunteers, you can - with guidance from your co-RD and experienced ORRC board members. In other words, you aren't just handed a folder and expected to make it all up as you go along. There is plenty of support so your race runs smoothly.

Race Directors receive comp entry to any ORRC event they wish to run or walk, which is the main perk; but you also gain a lot of great leadership, logistics, and communications skills in the process. While RDs must be over the age of 18, teenagers can gain experience if a parent or guardian volunteers with them. There are some things about each race which remain the same from year to year – the course and the date are the two biggies – the RDs determine everything else about the race to make it their own. If you’ve ever thought, “Now, that would be cool at a race!” … this is your chance to bring your ideas to life.

These are the events that ORRC puts on each year, and nearly all of them would welcome additional co-race directors. If you are interested in helping out, contact ORRC at info@oregonroadrunnersclub.org. Tell them Kelly sent you.

January – Y2K Half Marathon and 10k in Forest Grove

February – Hagg Lake 25k and 50k at Hagg Lake

March – Champoeg Park Runs 30k, 20k, and 10k at Champoeg State Park

April – Vernonia Marathon and Half Marathon in Vernonia/Banks

May – Hagg Lake Runs 10.5-miler, 10k and 5k at Hagg Lake

May – Up the Lazy River 10k

June – Summer Solstice 5k

July – 4th of July 5k

August – Dual Duel 10k and 10-mile 2-person relay

August – Garlic Festival 10k/5k

September – Greenway Trail Trial 10k/5k

September – Best Dam Run 10k

October – Blue Lake Runs 15k/5k

October – Autumn Leaves 50k and 50-miler

November – Turkey Trot at the Zoo

Plus, an annual member banquet in January each year!