I’ve done well over a hundred races over the last 15 or so years, but I’ve yet to do the Foot Traffic Flat. It’s on my list to do someday, when the timing is right, and I’ve heard more and more about it every year. What I hear about it is that it’s on 4th of july and therefore generally hot (though the average high is 76 with a low of 56)) but it’s as beautiful as it is flat (as the title would suggest.) I also hear a lot about the strawberry shortcake, and who can resist that on a warm summer day after a race?
You have options for this race, which is at Sauvie Island, a “farm land paradise” only about 20 minutes north of downtown Portland You can do the 5k, the 10k, the Half Marathon, or the whole enchilada, the Full Marathon. It’s all about how much you want to sweat. Whichever distance you choose, you’ll have a great time and some new bling (aka the finisher’s medal.)
There’s also the Kids 1k Farm Course that will start and finish at the same location as the other distances at the pumpkin patch. There will be a clock for this but no chip timing or formal results for the kids to stress over. They will all get medals, with a spot on them for the parents to write their kid’s times on the back.
Flat and fast is what you’ll get for this race, as well as the gorgeousness of Sauvie Island to greet you. After crossing the scenic Sauvie Island Bridge with views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St Helens, and Mt. Adams, the race will start at the fantastic pumpkin patch farm and market. The half and full marathons are certified road courses and the 5k and 10k are professionally measured.
If you like strawberries, you’re in luck. There will be a special “strawberry station” on the course with sweet, fresh whole strawberries waiting for you. This will hit the spot out there! There will also be strawberry lemonade flavored Nuun!
The medal this year will have a strawberry design, as this is a nod to the heritage of the event since strawberries are a huge part of the island. All distances will get medals, including 4” medals for half/full finishers and 3” medals for the 5k/10k.
After the race is over, celebrate! In addition to the famed Strawberry Shortcake, you’ll have hot dogs, veggie dogs, and other snacks to munch on. There’s also a petting zoo for the kids, tractor rides, an espresso stand, and the farmers market and gift store. You might as well check out the festivities of Sauvie Island while you’re there.
You’ll want to buy a shuttle ticket so you can get from the Silver Cloud In in NW Portland (2426 NW Vaughn St location) to Sauvie Island and back. It’s not mandatory, but it sure will help alleviate congestion at the start, which everyone will appreciate. Buses will leave after being filled starting at 5:00AM and continue as needed. Carpooling is also encouraged if you don’t opt for the shuttle, and please remember that buses won’t be going out to the island on this holiday weekend that early.
The Foot Traffic Flat is the perfect summer race for you, so register now!
Details:
What: 2019 Foot Traffic Flat Marathon/Half Marathon/10k/5k
When: July 4th, 2019. Marathon begins at 6:30AM, 5k/10k starts at 6:50AM, Half begins at 7:00AM, and Kids Race begins at 9:00AM (tentative)
Where: Sauvie Island
Cost: Marathon is $95, Half Marathon is $78, 10k is $55, 5k is $40. Shirt is not guaranteed and price goes up for all distances for day of race registration.
Register: Here
Packet Pick-Up: 6/29 at Foot Traffic NE from 11A to 6PM, 6/30 at Foot Traffic West from 11AM to 5 PM, 7/2 at Foot Traffic SE from 12PM to 7PM, and 6/3 at Foot Traffic Downtown from 10AM to 3PM. Packets will also be available race morning starting at 5:30AM, but early race pick up is strongly encouraged.
