One of my favorite newer events from last few years has been the Run for the Oaks – a trail 10k/5k which takes place entirely within at Left Coast Cellars in Rickreall (approximately 20 minutes west of Salem).
Left Coast Cellars is not one of those giant, state of the art wineries that we see littered throughout the hills. It’s still amazing, but it almost reminds me of a down-to-earth location and a comfortable place you would just want to hang out.
Check out our 2021 recap here!
Expect challenging courses with varied terrains and climbs (it is a winery after all). Both the 10k and 5k will have similar routes on single track trails, between wine vines, and along rugged winery offroads. It is great that that, given that the event raises money for their Oak Savanna Restoration Project at the winery, the course will run through some of the areas that make-up this project so that runners can literally see where their money is going.
Runners will receive a race shirt, GoVino wine glass, and a free glass of wine to kick off the after party.
As I mentioned before, the proceeds go to Left Coast Cellars Oak Savanna Restoration Project. Here is more about that in their own words:
Left Coast Cellars has over 100 acres of ecological compensation areas and 70 acres of old growth oak forest. Through time the forest has become populated with invasive species and our goal is to restore the forest to a native oak savanna. We have partnered with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. They will provide the technical expertise for the restoration as well as help us to match any funds we are able to raise ourselves with Federal and State grants. The forest will be a permanent wildlife refuge in the center of our estate and create habitat for native plants, wildlife, birds, and insects as well as improving the watershed.
Even if you are in a more distant location that the Mid-Valley, the Independence Hotel has partnered to give runners a discount on rooms. Check out review of The Independence here.
Run for the Oaks (Rickreall)
When: August 6, 2022 at 830am(10k) and 9am (5k)
Where: Lost Coast Cellars
Register: Online here; $65 for 10k, $55 for 5k
