It’s always exciting to see races spring up in my local hometown. Keizer has some longstanding staples (the Iris Festival races in May for example), but new events are always exciting. The Chris Dudley Foundation (the ex-Portland Trailblazer as the namesake) is putting on the Diabuddies Dash 10k and 5k at Keizer Rapids Park on Saturday, April 22nd.
I am very familiar with Keizer Rapids Park, as it was mere steps from my old residence. This park has grown in size and structure over the years, to now having much better trails, both paved and bark/earth, throughout its confines. However, the race will not be solely limited the park boundaries, and the majority of the race will be in the quiet surrounding neighborhoods.
Both distances will start in the parking lot by the boat loading dock. Runners will head up to Chemawa Road and head east on the paved path and sidewalks (there will be a flagger at the intersection of Chemawa and Shoreline). Runners will then head south on Delight and head back towards Shoreline. 5k runners will circle back to the park via Rafael Avenue and 10k runners will head further south before looping back via a variety of twists and turns.
It sounds confusing if you don’t know the roads, but I can assure you from experience (this course actually encompasses almost the exact route that I used to run) that it’s pretty simple and relatively quiet. There seem to be a variety of flaggers and volunteers at the helm, so crossings should be OK (though it may be worthwhile to go sans headphones – or at least keep the volume low as you traverse the neighborhoods. Eclectic Edge will be providing timing.
If you aren’t in Keizer (or even in Oregon), you can run virtually and support diabetes awareness wherever you are. If you set up a team, you will receive a shirt for participating!
Diabuddies Dash 10k & 5k (Keizer)
When: April 22, 2017 – 10k at 730a, 5k at 745a
Where: Keizer Rapids Park (1900 Chemawa Rd)
Register: Online here; $45 for 10k, $40 for 5k, $25 for virtual option
