The Mighty Columbia Awaits at the Run on the River

While other coastal towns are fun to visit, Astoria is probably the one I would most like to live in. It’s a cute town, with great breweries, that has a lower level of tourists and still plenty of spaces you can sit and watch the ocean waves. And it’s an underrated location for running, with some great walkways that provides you with miles at your disposal – many with beautiful views of the Columbia River.

If you want to check out this great place, you should sign up for the Run on the River 5K, 10K, or half marathon. All three distances start and end at Buoy Beer Company, which is also hosting an anniversary celebration on race day. What a fabulous (and intentional) coincidence. The half marathoners start at 9am with other races beginning later in the morning, meaning most folks will be done just in time for the noon award ceremonies and post-care food and drink.

After a catastrophie a few years ago, which destroyed Buoy Beer’s amazing facility on the boardwalk, it’s awesome to see that they will be hosting Lagerfest post-race at their new Taproom Location at 1343 Duane St. Runners and volunteers will receive a beverage of their choice.

Run on the River uses the popular Riverwalk pathway, which can get busy with pedestrians in the heart of downtown, but really thins out for most of the distance. It’s flat and literally at sea level, so even if it means a variety of surfaces to navigate (trestles, trolley tracks, and a handful of non-running pedestrians), its still a fast course.

All finishers earn a unique locally made stamped glass finishers’ medal and proceeds form the event go to funding swimming lessons and scholarships to Astoria Parks and Recreation youth programs, and more.

This is a Run Oregon featured race and absolutely worth making the trip for!