One of my favorite events from last year was Sweet Home’s Sweetheart Run 5k/10K a race hosted by the City of Sweet Home Parks and Recreation Department with proceeds going to the local summer recreation programs – which allows local kids to be active and keep them from getting in trouble. I had also heard great things about the inaugural race, which had me excited to check it out. Geli and I ended up running it last year and had some good things to say:
Geli:
Overall, this was a very nicely organized small-town event. I have put on a race with around 100 participants myself, so I know the work that goes into it, and the City of Sweet Home organizers went well beyond what’s expected for a race of this size. I can definitely recommend the Sweetheart Run to anybody who’s looking for a race in the area.
Matt:
The course, while not featuring really many major inclines, did have some variance – both in hills and terrain – along the way. The first of which was around Mountain View Road and Long Road. There was a small little climb that slowed down my pace just a bit. Even though Long (or really any road for that matter) was still open to traffic, I never felt at risk. There were bike lanes pretty much the entire time, and well-spaced cones every little bit to caution drivers.
Speaking of cones and course markers, directions were extremely simple and easy. Arrows let us know we were always on the right track and a handful of volunteer guided runners in the right direction while directing traffic and the a few key intersections. I’m usually not near the front of a race, so I always have someone to follow. During this race, I was surprisingly near the front, which left me concerned I would get lost – but I needn’t have worried.
The Sweet Home mayor announced overall and age-group winners and some Sweet Home princesses handed out the medals and crowns. It was a great local finish to a great local day.
The 5k and 10k courses remain the same from last year (though they did measure a bit long for both of us).
Both distances begin and ends at Sankey Park and feature some turns in and out of local street. The only real difference is that the 10k heads further east down Long Street with a lollypop turn-around. There are aid stations along the way and the medals were pretty cool last year.
Strollers are allowed for both distances, but leave your dogs at home. Following the race there are some refreshments (biscuits and gravy last year!), as well as some tables featuring local artisans. There was even a raffle (of which I came away empty-handed). Join the Facebook event here to stay on top of all the latest information.
What: Sweetheart Run 5k/10K (Sweet Home)
When: Saturday, February 11th, 2017 @ 10:30am
Where: Historic Weddle Bridge at Sankey Park (877 14th Ave. Sweet Home, OR 97386)
Register: Online here or mail-in;$40 for 10k and $30 for 5k until race day (add $10 DOR); Discounts for couples and teams; Shirts for $15
