lanning a December race in Oregon is always a bit of a gamble. You might get a soggy downpour, a frosty wonderland, or sunshine warm enough for shorts. And around here, you could experience all three before the starting horn even goes off.
Fortunately, the folks at Foot Traffic know how to make the most of whatever Mother Nature has in store. The Holiday Half brings multiple race distances, virtual options, festive fun, and plenty of reasons to get out there, regardless of what the weather forecast says.
We’ve run this race multiple times and experienced the full range of December possibilities, from frosty mornings to soaking rain and even shorts-worthy sunshine. Predicting the weather is a losing game, but at least you can count on cookies, a shiny medal, and a healthy dose of holiday spirit from Foot Traffic.
This year’s event takes place Sunday, December 13, with distances for just about everyone: a half marathon, 15K, 10K, 5K, and even a 1K for the younger racers. The 5K follows a looped course that stays close to the start and finish at Daimler Trucks North America. The longer distances take runners on an out-and-back route, featuring a substantial uphill during the first mile and, thankfully, a very welcome downhill during the final mile.
You can check out the courses before race day:
Along the way, aid stations help keep runners moving, including a special Freddi’s Cookie Station. There are also caroling groups providing some live holiday cheer. If you usually run with headphones, this might be a good time to take them off and enjoy the music. A little seasonal encouragement can go a long way when you’re working through those later miles.
Costumes are encouraged, too, so feel free to bring your festive best. Participants can join the costume runway contests before and after the race, giving everyone another reason to get creative. Whether you show up as Santa, a reindeer, or something a little more unusual, this is one race where dressing up is part of the fun.
One important bit of advice from the race organizers: arrive early. With thousands of participants heading to the same event, traffic can become a challenge if everyone waits until the last minute. Foot Traffic recommends arriving 45 minutes to an hour before your race start. Think about trying to park at a Blazers game just before tipoff, and you’ll get the idea. Give yourself plenty of time to park, check in, and make your way to the start without adding unnecessary stress to your morning.
Every finisher gets a Freddi medal, a tech shirt, and hot chocolate at the finish line. Food trucks and a beer garden help keep the celebrations going, and there’s even a DJ spinning holiday tunes for anyone who still has enough energy left to dance after running.
The Holiday Half is a great way to add some festive miles to your December calendar. The weather might be unpredictable, but the cookies, costumes, and holiday atmosphere make this one worth considering. Just dress for the conditions, leave yourself plenty of time to get there, and be ready for whatever an Oregon December decides to throw your way.
