**GIVEN THE UNCERTAINTY OF THINGS DUE TO COVID-19, PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE PREVIEWING THIS RACE AS IF IT IS STILL OCCURRING . WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO FOLLOW THESE RACES ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR THEIR WEBSITES TO DETERMINE IF CHANGES ARE BEING MADE**
The Pear Blossom Festival Parade is billed as the city of Medford’s oldest tradition, and is now in its 67th year. Since 1977, the Pear Blossom Run has been part of the Festival weekend. That first year, the race was won by none other than U.S. Olympic marathoner Frank Shorter!
Race and parade day is April 11, 2020. There are two races distances — 5K and 10 miles, along with fun runs of 1- and 2-miles. The 5K and 10 mile runs start and finish in the same place, and both are out-and-back courses along city streets. Course support includes water stations every 2.5 miles or closer. And there are prizes for the winners! Male and female winners of the 10 mile run get a $250 gift certificate, while the male and female winners of the 5K get a gift certificate for a pair of running shoes from Rogue Valley Runners.
After the race is over, you can stick around for the parade!
Pear Blossom Run
When: April 11, 2020, at 7 a.m. (5K race), 8:20 a.m. (10 mile race)
Where: 8th Street and Oakdale Avenue, Medford, Oregon
Register: Online here ($25 for 5K, $32 for 10 mile; prices valid until April 6, and then increase by $10)
Pre-race packet pickup: April 10, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Rogue Valley Family YMCA, 522 West Sixth Street, Medford, Oregon.
