Race Preview: 2016 Luckython 5K, 10K, 15K (at The Reserve)

If the recent warm weather is making you think about spring, it's time to start planning those annual springtime races, including Uberthons' St. Patrick's Day-themed Luckython. Now in its fifth year, this event offers race distances of 5K, 10K, and 15K on the paths of The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha. In keeping with the theme of the race, there will be a potato bar breakfast; lots of green on and off the course; and Luckython-branded finisher's medals. Plus, who knows what kind of music will sneak its way into race director Alan Rasmussen's playlist...? For those of you who have participated in previous Uberthons' races at The Reserve and are familiar with the different courses that have been used, this year's Luckython will take place on the south course. For those who haven't been to The Reserve before, or who have only run on the north course, the south one is mostly flat with bits of dips and rises scattered throughout. One apparent change is that the route looks like it will be staged in the opposite direction from how this course was used during last year's Halloweenathon.

I’ve run this race several times, as well as many others at The Reserve. It’s way out in the northwest part of the Portland metro area, but traffic has always been smooth on Saturday mornings, and there’s plenty of parking at The Reserve. There aren’t as many truly costumed runners at this event as there are at, say, the Halloweenathon, but usually there are a good number of runners dressed in green. Course support is good, the atmosphere is fun, and there’s post-race eating – what could be better?

Luckython

When: March 12 (Saturday), at 8 am for 5K, 10K, 15K; 9 am for a separate 5K; 9:30 am for kid’s 1 mile race.

Where: The Reserve Vineyard and Golf Club, 4805 SW 229th Ave., Aloha, OR 97007

Register: Online here ($30 for 5K or each relay participant; $35 for 10K; $40 for 15K; $10 for kid’s 1 mile race – all include an additional processing fee)

 

Note: Prerace bib pick-up will be at Big Al’s in Beaverton on March 10 (Thursday) from 4 pm to 8 pm. In the past, prerace bib pick-up at Big Al’s has included a free game of bowling!

 

Disclosure: I’m one of the Uberthons 2016 Race Ambassadors and have received a comp entry to this race.