Here’s what Run Oregon has been keeping an eye on this week – mainly some free group runs related to the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays – but some fun New Year’s events you should get on your radar if you’re planning to run it out this year. Remember, if you know a really cool small race, an important registration deadline, or other fun running news, please send it our way so we can share it with our readers!
- Footzone in Bend is hosting their Cookie Run (a free group run) on Monday, December 18. Bring a plate of cookies to share after burning off a few calories. RSVP here to help them plan.
- Portland Running Company is hosting their annual Peacock Lane Run on Thursday, December 21 at 6p. This is a well-attended group run, which means you’re sure to have others at your pace. RSVP to help them plan for snacks and the post run raffle.
- The Red Lizards also host a Peacock Lane Run. This year’s run is on Friday, Deecember 15 (this Friday) from Foot Traffic’s downtown location. The run is a little more than a 10k and will wrap up with a potluck at the store. RSVP on the Lizards “World Famous” message board and see what this fun running club is all about.
- The 3rd Annual Santa Hat Run, hosted by our friends at Wy’east Wolfpack, is this Sunday, December 17 at 10a from Chapman Elementary School. The total distance is around 6 miles and the point is so your run tracker creates a Santa Hat image. It’s free and just for fun, but they are suggesting that attendees make a donation of at least $10 to Snow-Cap. RSVP on facebook here.
- Another FREE run is the 6th Annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Run in Tualatin on Saturday the 23rd. It’s really the only event in the Portland metro that weekend, and it’s accepting cash and check donations, or items for families in the NICU. This 5k run/walk is related to the Ladybug Run and benefits the Ladybug CDH Foundation; there’s more info on the registration site.
While most New Year’s festivities are in the evening, there are a few runs you might want to check out taking place that morning:
- Team Red Lizard’s annual Purge and Splurge is an end-to-end on the Wildwood Trail in Portland’s Forest Park, with options at 15 and 25 miles. Check out the facebook event page and RSVP, because you’ll want to arrange with others to get a ride to your run’s start. This is a free event, and entirely self-supported, so you’ll need to plan ahead with your hydration and nutrition. Since your car will be at the end, you’ll also want to pack warm clothes in the car and an extra snack there too.
- There’s also a race on the morning of New Year’s Eve: The BYOB Half Marathon and Relay in Boring, Oregon. Prices per person vary based on the number of people on your relay team (2, 3, or 4) and you can run it solo for just $55, but as of today there are only 55 spots left so don’t delay. (BYOB = Bring Your Own Baton)
Here’s a quick rundown of what we know about for the nighttime on New Year’s Eve:
- There’s a FREE 5k walk/run in Vancouver on December 31, starting with a non-alcoholic toast at midnight and then an out-and-back from the clock tower at Ester Short Park. Please do RSVP to help them plan and offer to volunteer if you’re able.
- The only other midnight run we find is the First Run in Eugene, at VRC, starting on 12/31 at 11:59p. There’s a matching run at 10a. Sign up for one race for $25 or both for $40.
- On New Year’s Day, you can run Salem’s Hangover Run 3k for $15 or the Beer Mile for $10. Space is limited so don’t wait to sign up!
- The Deschutes River Half Marathon on January 1 in Maupin also offers a 2.018k. The half is $60 and the 2.018k is $20.
- How about a FREE race on January 1? Corvallis’ HOTV Running Club is hosting their annual Resolution Run 5k/1k; RSVP to help them plan by registering online.
That’s all for this installment. Remember, let us know what’s on YOUR radar – race organizers included!
