Race Recap: 2017 Regatta Run 5k (Tualatin)

It was cool and wet on the morning of this year’s Regatta Run 5k. Rain on race morning is not my favorite, but I’ve lived in the Northwest long enough to get over it quickly and add a rainshell to my running outfit. I had talked my teenager into running this race with me, so since I had already picked up our race packets at Roadrunner Tualatin the day before, we aimed to get to the start line at Tualatin Community Park about half an hour before race start. The park’s parking lot was already full when we got there, but several other parking lots within a five minute walk away still had plenty of spots.

Race participants were huddled under the picnic shelter to stay warmer and drier, and the vendor tents had set up tightly around the shelter to keep us out of the rain and mud. Shortly before the 9am start time, participants gathered near the start line for a quick warmup, presentation of the flag, Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem. Then the countdown started, and the air horn signaled the beginning of the run.

The course was very nice and easy to follow. Thanks to two different out and back sections, I was able to see and cheer on runners at the front and at the back of the pack better than a loop run would allow. My teenager is much faster than me now, so it was fun to see him on the course as well! The entirety of the course was on paved walking paths through parks, making it great for participants of all ages and abilities. It was mostly flat, except for the bridge over the Tualatin River. The final stretch towards the finish line was lined with trees in beautiful fall colors, almost as if there was an arch installed just for the race.

Post race activities were a little subdued because of the relentless drizzle, but we refueled with water, coffee, hot chocolate, bagels, bananas, and brownies. Results were posted and updated every few minutes. After we saw that neither of us placed in our respective age groups, we decided to skip the awards ceremony and instead warm up in the car and drive home.

Proceeds of the race support the Cpl. Matthew Lembke Memorial Scholarship Fund, benefiting deserving Tualatin High School graduating seniors. Official results can be found here, and free downloadable photo are posted here.