This year’s running of the Hero Up Half Marathon and 5k will take place in Tigard’s Cook Park on Saturday, September 2nd. This Superhero themed race donates 100% of profits to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Bank, with proceeds of the past four years’ races adding up to $58,000. Superhero costumes are encouraged but not required.
Cook Park is a great place for a race to start: There is plenty of parking, flush toilets, covered picnic areas, and a playground. The half marathon is the first race of the morning with a 7:30am start time. The half marathon course takes you on multipurpose paths within Cook Park, neighborhood streets in Durham, passing near the start/finish line around mile 5.5 before heading south for a loop through Tualatin, and then finishing in Cook Park. There will be six aid stations on the half marathon course. The 5k starts at 8:30am, and the course is entirely within Cook Park, roughly encompassing the first three miles of the half marathon.
If you sign up for the virtual option, the shirt, race bib, and half marathon medal will be mailed to you, and you can run the race at your own leisure. (Although on RunSignup it says that online registration has closed, the “sign up” button works, and registration is open until September 1st.)
After the race, stick around for awards (prizes given to the top finisher male and female in each age group for both races) and the costume contest. Costume categories include but are not limited to:
Best Look-a-like
Best Original Superhero
Best Duo
Best Group
Best Sidekick
Best Villain
Best Kids Costume
Most Creative
Hero-Up details:
When: Saturday, September 2;
Where: Cook Park, Tigard (map)
What: 5k, half marathon, kids run. Virtual options for 5k and half marathon.
Registration: Online here
Registration cost: 5k – $35; half – $70; kids race – free with donation encouraged; virtual 5k – $30; virtual half – $65.
Registration includes: Race entry, chip timing by Huber Timing, event shirt while supplies last, half marathon finisher’s medal, post race refreshments,
Packet Pickup: Friday, September 2nd 4:30-7pm @ Cook Park. Day of race starting at 7am.
