One of the best deals on the local race scene is Portland Parks & Recreation’s $5 5K Series. With one race a month from May to October, each at a different Portland Park, the series is very neatly organized, family-friendly, and lots of fun.
The first race on the schedule is set for Sunday, May 15th at Fernhill Park in NE Portland. The course consists of three laps around the perimeter of the mostly flat park (with only the slightest of small hills), on grass, packed dirt, and a small section of the running track.
Future races feature tours of Lents, Gabriel, Laurelhurst, Westmoreland, and Pier Parks. From rectangular (Lents) to winding (Gabriel), flat (Westmoreland) to hilly (Pier and Gabriel), paved (Laurelhurst) to grass (Fernhill), the $5 5K Series offers something for everybody at parks throughout the city. You can scout out all the courses HERE.
Despite the low price (hint: the entry fee is part of the name, and the races are free for kids 17 and under!), these races are a great value, very well-organized, chip timed, and don’t skimp on the amenities. A climbing wall, music, kids’ activities, and vendors are present at all the races. There’s also a kids fun run before each race.
What: Portland Parks & Recreation $5 5K Series (Race #1: Fernhill Park)
When: Sunday, May 15th
Where: Fernhill Park, NE 37th Ave & Ainsworth St.
What time:
Kids fun run (age 8 and under) – 8:45a
5K – 9:00a
Registration: You can register online HERE, sign up by phone at 503-823-2525, or register in person at any Portland Parks & Recreation center location. Limited day of race registration may also be available.