A Frosty Affair: Chillin’ at the Cascade Half

When I was reviewing my race calendar heading into the new year, I realized something surprising: it had been seven years since I last ran the Cascade Half Marathon in Turner, one of Oregon’s classic January races. It was long overdue for a return, and I was excited to participate again in this well-loved event.

The Cascade Half Marathon has been around for roughly 20 years, taking place on the third weekend of January. Over the years, this race has faced all kinds of weather—sunny and chilly days, rain, snow, and everything in between. This year’s race on January 19 was about as ideal as you could hope for.

Turner, just south of Salem, was foggy as I drove in that morning, with the temperature a brisk 28°F at the start. While Salem enjoyed clear skies, Turner sits a little lower, and thus the fog rolled in as I got closer and closer. The overcast and foggy weather created a calm, wintery atmosphere – bot bad for running.

One of the best parts of this event is the warm and welcoming setup at Cascade High School and Middle School. Runners have access to the gym and indoor restrooms, which is a major plus when it’s cold outside. Instead of waiting around in the chilly weather, you can stay warm inside until it’s time to line up.

The course itself is a straightforward out-and-back route on quiet country roads. While the roads aren’t closed to traffic, there isn’t much activity, and drivers tend to be courteous. Flaggers are stationed at the busier intersections to keep things safe. The flat and peaceful route allows you to focus on your pace and enjoy the experience without too many distractions.

After the race, participants can enjoy food and coffee in the cafeteria—a nice touch to help warm up and refuel. The medal was a unique surprise this year: an ice scraper with the race logo. At first, I thought it was a little underwhelming, but I quickly changed my mind. Unlike traditional medals that usually end up stored away, this one is functional—and on a frosty morning like this, it’s already come in handy.

The Cascade Half Marathon is a great way to kick off the new year with a well-supported race. While the weather can be unpredictable in January, this year’s conditions were about as good as it gets. The Willamette Valley Road Runners do a fantastic job organizing this event, and it’s clear they care about creating a positive experience for runners.

If you haven’t run the Cascade Half Marathon before—or if it’s been a while—I’d definitely recommend checking it out. It’s a classic Oregon race that’s well worth adding to your list.