Driving to the first-ever Oregon Brewery Series Run on Saturday, I was hoping there rain would hold off. It did – but I don’t think anyone there would have cared. The atmosphere was incredibly mellow, relaxed, and friendly. I was able to check in very quickly and then just wait for the run to start at 11a.
Before long a crowd had gathered, waiting for instructions and ready to run. The route for this first run was simple: Run down Ankeny to Laurelhurst Park, through the park, and back on Pine. Just over three miles with very minor hills through great neighborhoods and a beautiful wooded park. As the runners headed out, volunteers and chalk arrows on the ground kept us not only on course but motivated. The run organizer’s adorable son was even there holding a sign to cheer everyone on.
I ran with a woman who was visiting from Minnesota; her friend was running the Portland Marathon and she and her husband came to support her. We high-fived kids in the park and Texas Longhorn fans gathered at a pub to watch football. We saw runners with strollers and with friendly dogs on leashes, and everyone seemed to be in a great mood. Before long, we were back at Base Camp. A volunteer handed us our token for a beer and I, never having been to Base Camp, was impressed with their beer selection and the bartender’s knowledge of their brewing process. I got a pint of New Wave Amber and sat down with a group of people who were all flying solo for the day.
It was so nice being able to chat with runners and walkers who were clearly there just to enjoy themselves. I learned about the Rose City Run Club, which hosts two free group runs (see below); one of which is at Base Camp! There was live music, a guitarist who played original music as well as covers of artists including The Beatles, and just before we took this photo, a raffle where about a dozen prizes were handed out.
The Oregon Brewery Run Series raises funds for Oregon Wild and the Brewshed Alliance, who had a table there so people could learn about the efforts of local breweries to conserve and protect Oregon waterways. Other sponsors include the locally-owned Portland Running Club and Nossa Familia Coffee.
The next Oregon Brewery Run is this Saturday, October 15 at Migration Brewing. The route starts at their taproom located at 2828 NE Glisan and makes a large rectangle with a little tour of Laurelhurst Park. You can sign up online here for $30; use the code migration20 to save 20% for you and a friend.