Hey guys – I don’t know if you heard, but there’s an eclipse coming up. Man, I can’t believe nobody is talking about this…
All sarcasm aside, it is sure to be an interesting eclipse day and weekend (August 19-21), with numbers of people streaming into the state estimated to number in the 6 figures. I’m sure it will be stressful, especially for those of us in the “Path of Totality”, which will encompass the cities of Newport, Salem, Albany, Corvallis, John Day, Ontario, and the pinnacle location of Madras. But the best way to beat stress is to get out there and run, so here are a few Eclipse-themed races on that weekend.
The Solar Eclipse Run in Woodburn will definitely have a beautiful backdrop. It is on the Saturday before the eclipse, but running a 12k or 5k through the typically brilliant Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm should make this a prime destination run. The courses will be off road – mostly grass, dirt and gravel around the large farm property. Dogs are allowed, but strollers should be left at home given the varied terrain.
Paying for the race also included admission into the Tulip Farm. Stick around afterwards for food, drink (wine, beer, and coffee) and activities for the kids. Or just take a post-race walk around the grounds and enjoy the views.
The race benefits the Oregon City High School Cross Country and Track and Field teams.
Solar Eclipse Run (Woodburn)
When: Saturday, August 19 at 9a
Where: Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
Register: Online here; $35 (includes shirt)
Sweet Home is a quiet little town that does have a variety of cool races throughout the year. The Solar Eclipse Run in Sweet Home will be 3.5 miles of road running, with a few short sections of parks and covered bridges. I have run portions of this course and it definitely keeps things moving with about 14 turns over the duration of the race. It will also showcase and awesome little tree-lined gravel path section within the last mile or so. The finish will be back at Sankey Park with a final stretch through the historic Weddle Bridge. That should make for a sweet race picture!
Afterwards, runners will collect a medal, solar eclipse glasses, and an awesome and fitting post-race snack – Sun Tea and Moon Pies! The bib is also pretty sweet looking.
Solar Eclipse Run (Sweet Home)
When: Saturday, August 19 at 10a
Where: Sankey Park
Register: Online here; $25
Finisher’s medal
The coast is sure to be crazy busy on eclipse weekend (assuming that the common coastal clouds don’t obstruct views), so if you find yourself out there, consider checking out the Oregon Coast’s premier eclipse run. The Total Solar Eclipse Run is put on by Ardor Adventures, the biggest race company on the Coast. Runners will leave the coastal town behind and tackle a 5k, 10k, or 15k on the Wilder Trail System near the Oregon Coast Community College.
Runners will receive a medal and tee-shirt. The race benefits the Hatfield Student Organization at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Center in Newport. Proceeds will be going to graduate research and professional activities.
Keep in mind that there is a virtual option if you want to secure a cool medal, but can’t brave the expected traffic.
Total Solar Eclipse Run (Newport)
When: Sunday, August 20 at 9a
Where: Oregon Coast Community College
Register: Online here; $45 for 5k, $50 for 10k, $55 for 15k (includes tee-shirt)
5k course
From everything I have heard, Madras is going to be a “madhouse” on eclipse weekend. Given that they are right on the path of totality, combined with Central Oregon’s generally clear skies, people are anticipated to descend upon this small town. Add in Oregon Solarfest in Madras (a NASA-partnered event) and the weeklong Oregon Eclipse festival (complete with hundreds of EDM and dance bands) about 90 minutes east, and it will surely be a time to remember (for better or worse).
Regardless, if you live in the area, have already secured lodging (that has been sold out for months), or are attending one of these events, the Madras Aquatic Center is putting on a 5k and 8-miler on Sunday, August 20, as part of their OWN weekend festival called Solarthon, held at Rain Shadow Ranch (4 miles NW of Madras). This festival will include outdoor activities, entertainment, cooking, shuttle services to main locations (into town, fairground, casino) along with camping and RV spots
The running event will also take place at the ranch and near to Lake Simtustus. Having camped at this lake numerous times, I know that the crest above the lake has amazing views of the Cascade Range, and this shouldn’t be any different. The 5k is described as flat, while the 8k as a “scenic canyon run with significant ascents and descents.
8-mile course
We will be up front, the price for this is a little outlandish – with the 8-miler running $100 and the 5k at $50. We suppose that’s the cost of isolation and a monopoly on activities. Fees will include a tee shirt and post-race meal. So there’s that.
Solarthon 5k (Madras)
When: Sunday, August 20 at 730a for 8-miler and 8a for 5k
Where: Rain Shadow Ranch
Register: Online here; $100 for 8-miler and $50 for 5k (includes tee shirt and post-race meal)
The 5k Solar Run in Dallas isan evening run that will be a part of Dallas Family Night Out. This effort provides free activities and resources for the local community. The 5k will be managed by Ecliptic Edge Racing and provide a running opportunity for those looking. The course will meander along city streets and on Dallas City Park trails and bridges.
5k Solar Run (Dallas)
When: Sunday, August 20 at 630p
Where: Lyle Elementary School
Register: Online here; $25 (group rates at $22pp with 4+ registrants)
Salem is a pretty prime spot to view the eclipse and there is an event on the morning of (we think)! Though registration is actually not currently open according to the website, it describes a 9am race, called Run to the Sun, in West Salem. Following the run, the eclipse can be viewed from the West Salem High School football stadium – which sits high atop the hill, making for a great vantage point. It is unclear if this is just a “show up and run” event or if there will be more details available.
If you indeed plan on checking it out, keep in mind that the City of Salem expects serious delays on major streets, and getting over to West Salem requires a bridge crossing over the Willamette (unless you are coming from the west side of the river already). The bridge can be a nightmare on normal days, so I would HIGHLY recommend planning your commute over MUCH earlier than expected or circumnavigate yourself to head into the city from McMinnville or Corvallis if you can.
Run to the Sun (Salem)
When: Monday, August 21 at 9a
Where: West Salem High School
