When I hear “regatta” I think sailboats. Growing up by the lake in southern Germany, summer weekends were often spent sitting by the shore watching sailing or windsurfing regattas. The Pumpkin Regatta in Tualatin is slightly different, since there are no bright white sails dotting the horizon, but rather boats are fashioned out of giant pumpkins, and regatta participants paddle their vessel around the lake at the Tualatin Commons.
The Regatta Run 5k starts off the festivities of the Annual Pumpkin Regatta Festival at 9am on October 21. This race is also known as the “Corporal Matthew Lembke Memorial Regatta Run/Walk” and all proceeds go towards a scholarship fund established in Cpl Lembke’s memory at Tualatin High School.
The race starts and ends at Tualatin Community Park. The course goes from the Community Park north past the dog park, across the Tualatin River, loops around the south part of Durham City Park, then goes into Cook Park to the turnaround, and heads back to start. The race is open to athletes of all speeds and abilities, and the course is stroller-friendly on paved multipurpose paths throughout the parks. Awards and raffle prizes will be given shortly after the conclusion of the race at the stage near the finish line.
Following the Regatta Run on October 21st, there will be a Pancake Breakfast served at the VFW Matthew Lembke Hall on the corner of SW Boones Ferry Rd. and Lower Boones Ferry Rd. Nominal donations will be accepted. After the run and breakfast, don’t miss the pumpkin regatta at the Tualatin Commons, just a block away from the race finish.
Regatta Run 5k details:
When: Saturday, Oct 21; 9am
Where: Tualatin Community Park (map)
What: 5k
Registration: Online here
Registration cost: $35; packet pickup and day of race: $40
Registration includes: race entry, long sleeve t-shirt, pancake breakfast.
Packet Pickup: Friday, Oct. 20 at Road Runner Sports Tualatin, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (and receive a 10% Road Runner Sports Discount Coupon)
