Starlight Run will always be my very favorite 5K and the one that I recommend to anyone searching for their first 5K. It was my first 5K and a race that I return to almost every June. There is no other event where you have thousands of cheering crowds along the course. And the fact they added a medal a couple years ago is just the cherry on top.
This fun run starts and ends at Portland’s Waterfront, right next to the Rose Festival CityFair. A portion of the course is the same route as the Starlight Parade, which starts after sundown and where all those cheering crowds come from. Participants are encouraged to dress up and compete in the costume contest. The theme for this year’s contest is “Show Us Your Favorite Creation!” and prizes will be awarded to Youth Individual, Youth Group, Adult Individual, and Adult Group.
No matter your costume, every participant receives a finisher’s medal and free entry to the CityFair on race day. Come for the race, stay for the parade, then party at the fair. Woohoo!
Starlight Run (Portland)
- When: Saturday, June 4 at 7pm
- Where: Waterfront Park (98 SW Naito Pkwy)
- Register: Online
- Packet Pick-Up: Race Day starting at 2:30pm
- Cost: $25. $20 for students.
