Small town races for a good cause are at the core of fun in running. The Runtoberfest in McMinnville, scheduled for October 6th is a benefit for the McMinnville Education Foundation. Featuring a 5K and kids mile (taking place on the track) the event is based at Wortman Stadium on the local high school campus. Featuring a new course this year that will travel through the center of town instead of into the industrial area, it will be mostly flat with a mild ascent as it travels back towards the start. The track finish should also induce kicks from the more eager participants.
Registration is open online now, $25 for the 5K and $10 for the kids mile. Early registration will close on the 3rd, with the price on event day for the 5K climbing an additional ten dollars to $35. The kids race will hold the same price. Day of event registration will be open from 7:30 to 8:30 at the start location, with the race starting at 9. Bib pick up will be occurring at the same time and location.
While information on the official site seems a bit sparse, I have attended this event for the past few years. They typically have a plethora of course marshals to keep everyone on the route and do a great job of mapping out a ‘fast’ route. The run has a great, casual small town feel. Chip timed by Huber Timing, it is a legitimate race with low pressure, great for the casual racer and PR chaser alike. I will be out there on October 6th, having fun speeding on the same track I raced on for the first time almost 20 years ago.
