If you enjoy low-cost races, race series, and beer, you’ll want to take note: The Race Northbest Series, sponsored by Deschutes Brewery, will kick off on August 1, 2018.
Running (and walking) on the first four Wednesdays of the month, the dates fall on the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd. The courses will be open for 100 minutes total, making it possible for walkers to participate in the 5k or in the 10k (if they can manage a pace better than about 16:00/mile).
Each race will start at 6p near Murrayhill Park, up the path (a giant hill) from the parking areas by 24 Hour Fitness and Murrayhill Cafe. (My kids call it the “orange park.”) Both distances are out-and-back routes on the very hilly Powerline Trail, which is a wide, paved trail. Just to give you a heads up, there isn’t a ton of shade on this course, but there will be an aid station at the 5k turnaround (so 10k participants will pass it twice). If you need water on hot runs, you’ll want to bring a hand-held, especially so you’re fully hydrated before you enjoy your FREE Deschutes beer after the race (if you’re 21+ and bring your ID, of course).
Don’t let the hills discourage you from signing up! I don’t want to mislead you into thinking this is an easy course, but remember every participant runs the same course. And, you get to run it four times, so it’s a great opportunity to track your progress on the same course.
Signing up for the series will cost you $35 for the 5k or $50 for the 10k; both great deals.
If you do plan to sign up, keep in mind that you can warm up on Teal Boulevard for a little bit of a flatter stretch (it’s still a hill, though) and get some shade before the race.
There is ample parking at the Murrayhill Shopping Center, located at the corner of SW Scholls Ferry Rd and SW Murray Boulevard. Other businesses there that might make you consider turning it into a family night out include Sushi Train, Five Guys, Pizzacato, Chipotle, and Murrayhill Cafe, which has great food. There is a potty at the start/finish and there is one on the 10k course, but try to take care of it before you come if you can. (There is also a Starbucks and a public library at the Murrayhill Shopping Center … I’m just saying … but the library closes at 6p on Wednesdays.)
