Join “Portland’s Party in the Streets” at the 2016 Starlight Run 5K

Who puts the "fun" in a "fun run"?  The Starlight Run, that's who.   The Starlight fun run, which began in 1979, takes place just before the Starlight Parade in downtown Portland.  Running to the cheers of approximately 250,000 parade spectators as you run along the parade route is very exhilarating.   The 38th annual run is a "party in the streets"  not to be missed and an event I feel that everyone should participate in at least once.  (But you will enjoy it so much that you will run it more than once.)  I ran this a couple years ago with Maryalicia (read her recap here).  We ran as characters from the Pixar movie "Up" and it was truly an unforgettable experience.  Since the event is untimed and basically a large party with huge crowds, live it up and dress up in a fun or funky costume.  My arm hurt from all the high fives the kids along the race route were giving and the "better" the costume, the louder the cheers.  "Look mom!  There goes Carl with his cane!"

Participation is estimated at 5,500 runners and they are all encouraged to dress up in some form of costume, and most do.  The costume contest offers some pretty fantastic prizes which include two round trip tickets

on Alaska Airlines.  This year’s theme is “Excessive Celebration” and must be “G-rated” (appropriate for a family-friendly event) and make sure to reference the webpage for costume contest categories and further details.

There are a few deals going on that you don’t want to miss out on!  Through May 27th, the event is offering a “student special” for $10.  Groupon also has a deal for 40% off ($15 race registration) ending on June 1st.

Please take note that while the event is open to “runners of all ages” it is also open only to those able to maintain a 14 minute per mile (or faster) pace.  This is due to the impending start of the parade immediately following the race. So needless to say, walking the route is not permitted.  The course will start and finish at the Lincoln High school field (between SW Jefferson and SW Salmon on SW 16th).  Water will be available at the start/finish area, but be advised with warm weather that there will be no other support or water stations along the 3.1 mile course.  Bring a water bottle!

In addition to this fun event, participants can rock out on the field before and after the race to live music.  Registered runners will also receive a “free meal” coupon attached to their race bib to be redeemed at a local Spaghetti Factory restaurant.    

Race Details:

When:  Sat. June 4th
5:30 pm- Day of Race registration and bib pickup
6:30 pm – Costume contest begins (don’t be late!)
7:45 pm – Start of 5K race

Where:  Lincoln High school Field 

Registration:  Available online, through a mail in form, or at day of event.

Registration before the event is highly encouraged.  To mail in your registration, print out the registration form and have it postmarked before June 1st.

For immediate registration, click online through signup.com.

Registration rates until June 3rd are $5 for 5 years old and under, $15 for youth 6-12 years old, and $25 for 13 years old and above.

Day of race registration is cash or check only and will be an additional $5 to the previously stated prices.

Soft cotton-blend unisex t-shirts are available for purchase for an additional $15 during the registration process if you’d like to have a t-shirt souvenir.  Shirts will be available to pick up on race day.