Did you know that Cause + Event, a race that started right here in Portland in 2012, has now started events in both Boise and Boston? This 5K and 10K race held in Bethany Village on October 2nd is a pretty amazing event. First of all, it is 100% volunteer-run. Second, it is the only race that supports YOUR cause. As they say, “Every race has a cause. No race has every cause . . . until now.” When you register for Cause + Event, you choose the charity you wish to support. You can choose from a charity that is already listed or add your favorite charity (must be a Guidestar registered 501(c)(3) non-profit.) Cause + Event donates nearly 100% of the net race proceeds to runner-chosen charities. Third, this volunteer-run event is a first class race. It is highly-organized, has a clearly marked and well-supported course, includes a host of vendor tents, and has a great atmosphere. In 2015 Cause + Event Portland supported over 120 causes and donated a total of $20,296!
This will be my third year participating in Cause + Event. Last year, I was unable to attend on race day, so I participated as a virtual runner. That option allowed me to support the charity of my choice even though I couldn’t be at the race. This year I am happy to be able to participate in the race instead of supporting it from afar. I have joined my friend’s team, Team Congo – PDX, which supports Eastern Congo Initiative. This organization supports Congolese organizations through direct grants that provide help for victims of rape and sexual violence, vulnerable children, and assists in community peace and reconciliation programs. Help is provided through counseling, medical support, education, legal support, and income generation projects.
Not only does Cause + Event donate almost half of every runner’s registration to their charity of choice, you also get a great race shirt (complete with your name if you registered by the deadline), a personalized race bib (also if pre-deadline), and a great after-party with food, drink, and a live band. Both the 5K and 10K run are chip-timed, while the 5K walk is not.
The course includes some quality hills, so expect to do some climbing on a mix of streets and paved paths. Most of the course is on traffic-free pedestrian paths, with a few well-monitored road crossings. If you don’t wish to push your child in a stroller on these hills, register for the child-care option available at this race. The child care is on-site and includes arts and crafts and lots of fun supervised by professionals.
Cause + Event Boston has 2 years under its belt, with a sell-out its first year. For the May 2016 race, they were able to increase the participant limit in order to allow for the community to contribute to more of their chosen charities. Cause + Event Boise was held in April of this year, with about 40 charities receiving donations. Look for big things continuing with Cause + Event in these cities and in ours.
While some of the deadlines have passed, you can still register for the Portland Cause + Event. This race is expected to sell out, so register soon to reserve your spot and support your charity at this first class race.
Cause + Event Details
Date: Sunday, October 2
Times: 9:00 A.M. – 10K run
9:05 A.M. – 5K run
9:10 A.M. – 5K walk
8:30 A.M. – Kids Fun Run
Location: Bethany Village, Portland
Entry Fee: $35
Race Website: Click Here
