Oregon runners often pride themselves in the fact that they will run outside no matter the weather. The people behind the Worst Day of the Year 5k run have taken this to heart and have researched which day in weather history has the most unpleasant weather, then they scheduled their event for the Saturday nearest this Worst Day. This year, the Worst Day run in Oregon will take place at McMenamin’s Edgefield golf course on Saturday, February 3rd.
Despite the name that invokes visions of rain and wind (which you will likely encounter on the course) the run is a lot of fun, and I look forward to participating this year for the third year in a row! The start/finish area is located at the north end of the golf course near the distillery house. Packet pickup and hot drinks are available in an event tent with propane heaters, and the post-race food is served inside the heated event hall. The course is mostly on gravel paths on and around the golf course with some significant elevation gain/loss. The paths are narrow in places, and the 5k run is a double loop of the course, therefore you can choose your starting wave when you sign up (9am, 10am, or 11am). It is a fun run that is untimed (race clock posted at the finish line), unless you choose to pay the extra $3 for official chip timing. For insurance reasons, strollers and dogs are not allowed in this race. Walkers are welcome, and children under 14 can participate if an adult is registered with them.
Race registration includes race entry, a sparkling finisher’s medal, a Columbia winter hat (I’m wearing last year’s hat just about daily these days!), and McMenamin’s soup and rolls. If you dress up in costume, you’ll also receive a beer ticket and can enter yourself or your group into the costume contest. An event shirt is available for purchase for $16 at registration and while supplies last at the event as well.
Worst Day 5k Run details:
When: Saturday, Feb 3rd; start times 9am, 10am, 11am
Where: McMenamin’s Edgefield in Troutdale (map)
What: 5k trail run/walk
Registration cost: $39 online here; $49 day of race
Registration includes: race entry, finisher’s medal, Columbia event hat, post-race food, costume contest. Chip timing available for $3. Event long sleeve shirt $16
Packet Pickup: TBD
