I have always wanted to participate in the Lady Bug Run for CDH Awareness, and I am absolutely elated that this year I will be there!! When talking with others in the running community about races, and which are “must-do”, this event always makes the list.
This year will be the fifth year of this annual event. This race isn’t just about adorable lady bugs, cute finisher medals and event shirts. Nor is it just about the fabulous pre- and post-event party (which is epic – including the food, beer and music I hear). The Ladybug Run’s primary goal is to promote the awareness of CDH, which is a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. Being an extremely serious birth defect, CDH occurs in approximately one of every 2,500 births, with a dramatic fatality rate nearing 50%. All race entry fees and product sales for the Ladybug Run will go directly to help the children and their families who lives have been touched by CDH. For the 2015 race, over $30,000 was raised to benefit the Ladybug CDH Foundation.
“The Ladybug CDH Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon. The primary mission of our foundation is to raise public awareness of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), a serious birth defect that occurs in one out of approximately 2,500 births and has a fatality rate of nearly 50%. All race entry fees and product sales for this event will go to fund medical research and directly help children and families whose lives have been impacted by this birth defect.”
Here are the details on the event itself. The race takes place on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Cook Park in Tigard, Oregon. Distance choices are a 5K, 10K, and (new this year!) a 10K (2-person) relay. A virtual race option is available, in addition to a kids half-mile (ages 3-12), kids one-mile, and Diaper Dash (ages 2 and under) event. There truly is something for everyone, runners, walkers, strollers (5K) … everyone.
A brief tour of the 5K and 10K courses to help you decide which to pick. I chose the 5K, but the 10K seems equally as
impressive. All events start/finish in Cook Park. The 5K will take participants west out of the park along the Tualatin River on paved, shaded forest trails. A challenging hill will then greet runners as we climb into quiet neighborhoods to Durham Road. A turn at Tigard High School will bring us to 92nd Avenue and back to Cook Park.
The 10K will take participants south on the Tualatin River trail, making a tour through Cook Park, and proceeding to the Tualatin River Greenway. You’ll pass the dog park and loop back near the Tualatin City Park, where you will be greeted with a short out-and-back near the Durham Park off-leash dog area, then proceeding back to zip through the finisher chute.
No race day registration is available, and this event historically sells out well in advance of race day. I encourage you to make the commitment and get registered! Registration fees are currently:
- free for the Diaper Dash (kids 2 and under)
- $15 for the Kids half-mile and one-mile (includes medal and shirt)
- $45 for the 5K
- $50 for the 10K ($35 for virtual option, $30 for youth under 18 and includes medal and shirt)
- $90 for the 10K, 2-person relay team (includes medal and shirt)
I hope to see lots and lots and lots of fellow runners and walkers out at the Ladybug Run for CDH Awareness! Secure your spot today!
Date: Saturday, July 23, 2016
Time: Tentatively scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.
Distances: Kids events, 5K, 10K, 10K 2-person relay
Register: Click here to register
