The Great Columbia Crossing 10K in Astoria – One for the Ages

One bridge. Two states. Thousands of stories.

The Astoria-Megler Bridge is the longest continuous truss Bridge in North America. It is an amazing feat of engineering, both when seen from afar and while speeding down the road, traversing the Columbia River. With The Great Columbia Crossing, you have an opportunity to see this massive bridge from a whole new perspective.

The race starts in Astoria, Oregon, provides runners the unmatched opportunity to walk or run across the Astoria-Megler Bridge. This up close and personal experience provides participants an adventure, that not only showcases one of our area’s most fascinating man-made locales but also gives you a panoramic view of all the natural beauty quintessential to the Pacific Northwest!

Photo Credit: Evan Pilchik Photography for Great Columbia Crossing

The race begins at the Dismal Nitch Rest Area in Washington (runners are shuttled). Runners will hit the US-101S/Oregon Coast Highway.  Participants will then traverse the Astoria-Megler Bridge and continue on US-101 into Oregon. The course will then meander down the Riverwalk and make its way on the Greenway Path and to the finish line at the end of Basin Street.

Photo Credit: Evan Pilchik Photography for Great Columbia Crossing

This event is capped at 3,500 participants each year to ensure safe Crossing of the Astoria-Megler Bridge – and even with this huge number it sells out pretty quickly.

Since the main event is running and/or walking across this fantastic bridge, understanding exactly what you’re getting yourself into may be important. Although the majority of the bridge is flat, there is a very steep in climb in the middle.

This uphill portion of the bridge is about 0.6 miles long and starts just shy of four miles into the race. The grade of the syncline is 5.62% or just under 4 degrees slope. Although challenging, this large hill is what makes this race so spectacular. Yes, you pay for it in sweat, but the 360° view from the top, is unmatched.

Photo Credit: Evan Pilchik Photography for Great Columbia Crossing

The finish line is at the Port of Astoria where finishers receive their medal and enjoy the after-party. Participants and friends are encouraged to enjoy the local opportunities by getting Clam Bucks in their swag bag (including extras at bib pick-up the week before the race).

• What are Clam Bucks? Clam Bucks are wooden tokens worth $1 each. They can be spent just like cash at participating chamber member businesses and are valid for a full week: Thursday, October 9 – Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

One-of-a-kind views, great company, and a medal to prove you did it.