The drive to beautiful Champoeg State Park in the Willamette Valley is just 20 minutes from my home, and it was a beautiful sunny and crisp morning when I made my way to the start line. My annual State Parks parking pass sped up entry into the park considerably, but parking wouldn’t be a problem at all since several grassy fields are turned into parking lots for the event. Ready for any weather, packet pickup and snacks were set up in the Riverside Pavilion at the west end of the park. Getting my bib and shirt was quick and easy, and I had plenty of time to walk back to my car to store things I didn’t want to carry on the run.
About 10 minutes before the 8am start time, participants for all three distances were encouraged to make their way to the start line and to self-seed based on anticipated race speed. The National Anthem was sung, and soon after we were sent off on our way. The first mile of the course we were running on the road, giving everybody plenty of space to spread out and find their spot in the group. I started in the middle and did not notice any crowding or problems getting through. The sun was shining brightly, but thankfully this year the temps stayed comfortable.
The first water station for the 5k was located about half way between the 1 mile marker and the turnaround point. It was at a fork in the path, so that runners on both the “out” and the “back” portion of the race could be served from the same water and Gatorade table. The path from the water station to the turnaround is more narrow as it is the bike path along the river, but the field was stretched out very well by now and there was no crowding. At the turnaround (just like at any other significant turn in the course) the volunteers made it very clear which direction to go and that only 5k participants should be turning around.
Overall another great event by Run with Paula. I’ll definitely mark my calendar for next year. Complete results can be found here, and registration for the 2020 event is open here.