Ralph Brown was a memorable member of the ORRC and his death hit the running community here in Oregon really hard. The ORRC wanted to honor him and decided a great way to do so was to rename the first ORRC race of the year (the Y2K Run) after Ralph. Thus, Ralph’s Run pays tribute to Ralph and starts every new year off right.
The original premise behind this event was to change distances every year. It started in 1986 as an 8.6k, and now that we are heading into 2024, there will be a 20.24k distance as well as the more traditional 10k and 5k distances. The 5k is new this year, so you have more options than ever.
All distances will start at 9:00AM on January 6th, and all courses will close at noon. The one exception is an 8:30AM start intended for 20.24k participants who don’t think they can make the 3 hour cut-off time. All of the events will start and finish at Tom McCall Upper Elementary School in Forest Grove. The race will be between the two buildings on campus (Tom McCall East and West.) The routes will cover back roads and travel through scenic wine country. You can view the 20.24k map here, the 10k map here, and the 5k map here.
There will be water, Gatorade, GU, and some snacks available on the course. ORRC will provide paper cups at aid stations, but encourages you to be eco-friendly by carrying your own drinking container (handhelds, bottles, bladders or collapsible cups).
The first 400 finishers in all events will receive a custom beanie. The logo honors Ralph’s connection to the railroad. If you’d like a race shirt, those will be available for purchase for $20. The 5k race fee is $50, the 10k is $62, and the 2024k will be $72. There will also be a free kid’s run which is ¼ mile long.
This race, like all ORRC races, celebrate community. Pancakes, coffee, and juice will be provided by the Forest Grove United Church of Christ for all finishers, volunteers, and families. There will also be a raffle (you must be present to win!) and plaques will go to overall male, female, and non-binary winners in the open and masters divisions. The top 5 finishers in the 5 year age groups will earn ribbons as well, and there is a special Caboose award for the last person to cross the finish line.
Ralph’s Run will be the first event of the year in the ORRC’s Challenge Series. If you wish to partipcate in all ORRC 5k, 10k, or 10 Mile (or longer) events for the year, you’ll receive a prize at the end of the year! Additionally, if you participate or volunteer in EVERY ORRC event of the year, you’ll win a President’s Challenge Prize. This is a great goal to make 2024 the best year ever!!
2024 ORRC Ralph's Run 20.24k/10k/5k (Forest Grove) $50-$77
Details:
- When: Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at 9:00AM
- Where: Tom McCall Upper Elementary School (1341 Pacific Ave, Forest Grove OR)
- Packet Pick-Up: Early pick-up is at Tom McCall East on Friday January 5th from 4:00PM to 6:00PM. Day of race pick-up starts at 7:30AM. Bring your phone for dynamic bib assignment.
