When choosing a race to run, one of the factors is always how scenic the course will be, and if I’m chasing a PR, I’ll also prefer a “flat and fast” over “rolling hills”. The Hop Hop Half and 5k on Easter Saturday (April 15th) fits both of those criteria. The race starts and ends at Kliever Armory on NE 33rd Dr, and takes runners on mostly flat paved roads and paths along 33rd Dr and Marine Dr. You’ll be running along the Columbia River for a good portion of the half marathon, and parts of the 5k. On a clear day you will have gorgeous views of Mount Hood to the east. This course is great for speedy runners to try for a new PR, and the fact that it is mostly on bike paths allows course support for walkers (as slow as 19min/mile pace) even after the course re-opens to traffic after three hours.
Finishers medals
At the finish, participants of both distances will receive their finisher’s medal. After the race, stay to enjoy music and brunch, including (but not limited to) mimosas (in take-home event champagne flute), beer, cinnamon rolls, fruit, and eggs.
Hop Hop Half details:
When: Saturday, April 15; 8am (half) and 8:15am (5k) start
Where: Kliever Armory, NE 33rd Dr (map)
What: half marathon, 5k
Registration: Online here
Registration cost: Half – $77; 5k – $39 ($87/$44 at packet pickup and race day)
Registration includes: Chip timed race, finisher’s medal, gender-specific “blend” material race shirt, commemorative glass mimosa flute, mimosa or beer, and Easter brunch.
Packet Pickup: Sunday, April 9th: Foot Traffic West, 12-4pm; Wednesday, April 12th: Downtown Foot Traffic, 12-6pm; Thursday, April 13th: SE Foot Traffic, 11-7pm; Friday, April 14th: NE Foot Traffic, 11-5pm
