Riverside Revelry: Conquering Miles at the ORRC Champoeg 10K, 20K, 30K

One of the defining traits to any race is location. This holds true even more for longer race distances, as the route and scenery will be enjoyed by the runners for a long period of time. Champoeg State Park is a great place to run, and the farm roads the route traverses in that area are beautiful as well. Some might find straight stretches a little boring, but the scenery is magnificent. It definitely beats the usual business/industrial location of many other races.

The ORRC Champoeg 10k/20k/30k gives you a few race distance options and the course is relatively flat on road and bike paths. There’s some gravel and a few rollers, but nothing terribly taxing. It’s a looped course, so signing up for the 10k means you’re in it for one loop, the 20k is two loops, and the 30k is three loops. It’s a certified course as well.

It might be important to note that participants of both the 20k and 30k distances start at the same time, and that the 10k walk and run start later. I am mentioning this only because pacing with a stranger could be a mistake if you don’t know what distance they are doing. The course closes for everyone at 11:00AM.

The ORRC has been making strides in creating more sustainable practices at races, so they ask that you please bring your own containers for water or other liquids. Water and Gatorade will be available at the start/finish and at the 4 aid stations, but they will not be in paper cups to reduce waste.

After the race, stick around to celebrate at the heated outdoor Finish Line Pavilion. There will be soup and bagels for lunch and raffle prizes too! There will also be awards for overall and master winners for each distance three deep. There will be ribbons for the top three walking winners in each distance as well as all kids for the Kid’s Run. All participants in the event will receive a custom knit beanie with the Champoeg logo on it.

This race is recommended for a couple reasons. The location is amazing, as the Oregon countryside is a great place to run. Additionally, the ORRC puts on a professional, well-organized race. The timing is perfect to find out what your fitness level is between the summer and fall racing seasons.