It’s Rose Festival Time! Come to the 2026 Starlight Run

The Starlight Run is an iconic race in Portland and it’s almost as historic an event as the as the Rose Festival itself. Now in it’s 48th year, this non-timed, costume-heavy 3 mile run through the downtown city streets of Portland will be on June 6th and it will be an awesome kickoff to summer.

Thousands of runners take to the pavement ahead of the Portland Rose Festival Parade each year and get to experience the thrill of being cheered on by thousands and thousands of spectators along the way.  This Run With Paula Events race is a pretty simple and straightforward event that has thrilled runners and parade-goers alike for quite a while.

Consider joining in the fun of the costume contest, as it’s a great way to celebrate Portland and it could really pay off too since the winner gets a pair of airline tickets, courtesy of Alaska Airlines! This year’s theme is “Imagine Magic” and the contest staging starts at 4:30PM at the Salmon Springs Fountain.

The race starting and finishing area is on Naito Parkway at Rose Festival’s CityFair and it will follow the path of the CareOregon Grand Floral Starlight Parade route on an out-and-back course. The race will begin at 5:30PM, but you should get there early because there is going to be a lot of excitement around this event!!

All runners must maintain a pace of 15 min/mile. Save your race bib, as it will gain you free entry to Portland Rose Festival City Fair following your race! The parade starts at 6:30PM and you don’t want to miss it!