Whe Run Oregon first became a website (2013), we left it up to our readers to vote on their favorite race from each month. The winner of July was the Molalla Freedom 5K – a pretty solid sized race in a small town. As far as we can tell, it’s one of the only local 4th of July races that takes you along a parade route AND ends with a rodeo!
We have run this before (a couple times) and had this to say:
The Freedom 5k was voted as Run Oregon’s Best 2013 July Race. And it showed. The start was at the Molalla High School football stadium and track, offering more than enough space for parking, picking up packets and shirts, and spreading out to warm up for the race. Music was playing and the atmosphere was electric for the race-record 505 participants.
As we hit the streets and race parade, it was an amazing experience. I knew that the race would have spectators as it was held just prior to the Molalla Parade. However, I was not prepared for the sheer numbers of people who lined the streets. It was literally jam-packed every square foot of the race route, some areas 2-3 people deep. It was amazing. I know we weren’t the main attraction of the day, but it sure felt like it. Spectators cheered us on and I expect that the encouragement and atmosphere powered me to a faster finish I ever would have imagined I could do with a stroller (7:40/mi pace). Thanks everyone!
After we had caught our breath and had re-hydrated, we made our way back to Main St to watch the parade. It was fun watching the floats and trucks and performance groups move by, and to watch the kids run excitedly after the candy that was being tossed off the floats. The race packet also included tickets for the 1:30pm rodeo show.
Race fees also stay in the community. The RD’s are part of a non-profit organization and give 100% of race profits back into the community to the following entities: .
- Local VFW Post
The money raised goes to our veterans to things like providing dental care to homeless veterans, giving care packages to active duty members in combat zones, and financial aide to needy/disabled veterans. It is the veterans who have secured our freedom, and we want to give back to them.
The Chamber organizes the parade, and they support the businesses in our community. With the economic condition our Chamber has lost some funding and we want to support them so that they can support our local business.
The Molalla Adult Community Center is a non-profit organization. It’s objectives are to promote educational, recreational, social, cultural, community health, and nutrition programs for senior citizens. They are an amazing resource and support for our aging community.
If the idea of running past hundreds of people cheering you on sounds fun, then you’ll definitely want to sign up for this race. Hurry as the race is capped at 575participants.
What: Molalla Freedom 5K Run and Walk
When: Wednesday, July 4th. Race starts promptly at 9:20 am. Parade starts immediately after.
Where: East Fifth Street and Eckerd Ave Molalla, OR US 97038
Registration: Online here. This race is chip timed. Age group awards, as well as top male and female finisher awards
Price: $30 and includes: Aid station (around mile 1.5), pre and post race festivities, finisher’s medal, age group awards, t-shirt, and a free ticket to the Molalla Buckaroo.
