Over the years, Salem has steadily shifted from an overlooked stop in the Willamette Valley to a destination that quietly delivers more than expected. What was once easy to pass by now offers a blend of outdoor access, growing food and wine culture, and a surprisingly strong network of running routes that make it worth slowing down and exploring.
That mix comes into full focus at the Run Willamette Salem Hills 5K, hosted by Willamette Valley Vineyards on Saturday, June 27th. Set in the rolling terrain above the valley, this race blends vineyard views, elevation change, and a distinctly Oregon summer race atmosphere.
The Basics:
The course winds through the estate’s hillside property, offering a combination of paved sections, gravel, and dirt paths. Runners will pass through vineyard blocks and open stretches of land that showcase the contours of the Salem Hills, with steady climbs and descents that keep the effort honest from start to finish.
The route highlights the natural character of the property, moving through working vineyard land and into quieter, more rugged sections before returning toward the main estate.
Event Highlights:
Participants receive a commemorative shirt and medal, along with a complimentary glass of wine after finishing. A $10 credit toward additional wine purchases is also included. Post-race, the atmosphere continues with raffles, giveaways, and opportunities to explore food and wine offerings on site.
More Than a Race
Beyond the course itself, the event supports ¡Salud!, an organization dedicated to providing healthcare services for Oregon vineyard workers and their families. A portion of race proceeds helps support that mission, tying the event directly back to the people who help make the region’s wine industry possible.
The Run Willamette Salem Hills 5K brings together running, landscape, and wine country culture in a way that feels uniquely rooted in place. It’s a chance to experience the Salem Hills from a different perspective—one mile, one climb, and one vineyard view at a time.