Race Preview: 2016 Scandia Run (Junction City)

One of the Eugene area's most well-established and fastest races is coming up in mid-August. The Scandia Run in Junction City is set for Saturday, August 13th. The USATF-certified 10k course has only seven turns, and the 5k is a simple out-and-back. This year the 10k is the championship race for the 2016 Oregon USATF Road Race Series. USATF Oregon members are eligible for USATF Oregon Association Open and Age Group awards. Regular awards will also be presented to non-USATF members: Top three age group awards in the 10k, and top three overall in the 5k. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Junction City High School Cross-Country and Track and Field programs.

The Scandia Run traditionally boasts one of the fastest fields among Oregon road races, with multiple finishers under 34 minutes not uncommon, and the winner even dipping under 32:00 on occasion. But don’t let the times up front intimidate you. The race is still a great event for everyone, and is part of Junction City’s annual Scandinavian Festival, which runs from August 11- 14, and features music, dancing, and other activities from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden (in a nice touch, one day of the festival is dedicated to each country).

What: The Scandia Run

When: Saturday, August 13th

Where: Junction City, Oregon, at 6th & Deal Streets (Did you know: Junction City was originally named by a rail baron as the spot where the rail lines east and west of the Willamette River would join? That plan didn’t quite work out, but the town is now the site where Highways 99 East and 99 West come together.)

What time: 10k – 8:00a, 5k – 8:15a

Registration: Both races are $20 for adults and $15 for children 11 and under through August 6th (add $5 from August 7-10). Cotton shirts are included in the kids entry fee; add $10 for an adult tech shirt. There is also a Scandia Junior 1K for kids 11 and under for $12 with a cotton shirt included. You can register online HERE.