Race Preview: 2016 ORRC Champoeg 30K, 20K, and 10K

It’s time to start thinking about the spring racing season. (Can you believe it?) If you haven’t run the ORRC Champoeg race, I would highly recommend you sign up this year. With a 10K, 20K, 30K, and even a Kids’ Run, you are sure to find a distance that works for you. Held at beautiful Champoeg State Park, this race has a variety of scenery from forests to fields to wetlands.

The course is basically flat with a few rollers and is run mostly on paved paths with some gravel sections. The route is a 10K loop run 1, 2, or 3 times depending on which distance you choose. I ran the 30K for the first time several years ago and I appreciated the loop course. You know where the aid stations will be, you know what to expect on the 2nd and 3rd loops, and it breaks up the distance nicely. The route is traffic-free and scenic. Champoeg Park is one of my favorite local places to run. A few years ago many of us were treated to the sight of bald eagles circling overhead as we ran. This location is away from the city noise and pollution and perfectly set in nature.

The 10K is part of the ORRC 10K series, which is open to all ORRC members. (Registration for the 10K series is still open.)  All distances at this race are open to walkers. In fact, there is a separate division for walkers only. If you plan to register as a walker make sure to read the Walking Policy. This chip-timed event offers medals and/or hats to all finishers.

Champoeg Park has limited parking near the race start, so carpool if at all possible. Register soon, because registration prices increase on February 4th. This is a race you don’t want to miss this year!

ORRC Champoeg Details

Date: Saturday, March 5

Times: 8:00 A.M. – 20K and 30K
8:30 A.M. – 10K Walk
9:30 A.M. – Kids’ Run
10:30 A.M. – 10K Run

Location: Champoeg Park, 8239 Champoeg Rd NE, St. Paul

Race Prices: (thru Feb. 4) $35 – 10K,  $40 – 20K,  $50 – 30K
ORRC Members – See registration site for discount information.

Race Website: Click Here