Have plans August 17th? If not, you should take a road trip to Eastern Oregon and join other folks who live around Milton-Freewater and participate in the Rotary club’s annual It’s a Grape Run 5K. Supporting local children and the community, this family-friendly event promotes health while spreading Rotary’s message of goodwill, helping humanity through sustainable projects and helping the world become a better place. When / Where: August 17th. Late registration and pack pick-up…
Every Alpine Running race is on my to-do list, and having done a couple already, I know they’re guaranteed to be great. The problem: they keep adding races to the lineup and my calendar can’t keep up! They took over directing the Elkhorn Crest 50 (and marathon) from Crux Ridge Running but the details are nearly identical. If you’re not trained and ready for it this summer, put it on the list for 2020 (I…
If you enjoy running the back roads, the Catherine Creek Classic will provide you with that experience. Starting just outside the small eastern Oregon town of Union, this classic event is known as one of the most scenic races around. Choose from a half marathon, 5K, or 1 mile distance and enjoy the beauty of Union County. As these courses are point to point, participants will park at Union High School then take the bus…
There are a few days throughout the year when there are plenty of races to choose from. July 4th is one of those days, and it is a great opportunity to experience a run in a smaller town or in an area that you don’t usually visit. The small town of Vale in Malheur County (about 15 miles from where I-84 crosses into Idaho) has many activities during the week surrounding Independence day. On the…
When a small community, of barely over 200 people, in Eastern Oregon hosts a race that draws nearly 200 participants, you can only assume that there is something pretty special about the event. If you’re not a local but willing to make the trek, the Lostine River Run in Lostine, Oregon sounds like the perfect place to run wild and free on Independence Day weekend! This year’s event marks the 36th year that the Lostine…
Helix, OR is hosting the 2019 Heart of the Country Fun Run/Walk on June 8th this year, and this race will help fund improvements to Helix Park after an unfortunate flood ruined much of it. This is a great way to celebrate the community and to offer your support. Check in for this 5k/10k/1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will begin at 7:00AM with the run beginning at 8:00AM. The Helix School Wood Shop is making the…
The oldest running half marathon in Oregon is the Eastern Oregon Half Marathon. This event is held in conjunction with the Spray Rodeo in the tiny town of Spray, Oregon over Memorial Day weekend. This point to point course starts near Service Creek and runs the scenic John Day River Valley and ends in Spray. The half marathon is run along the highway and is about as flat as you can get with only a…
Several years ago (2001, to be exact), during my quest to run a race in every county in Oregon, I was able to check off Umatilla County in the northeastern corner of the state by running the East Oregonian Butte Challenge 10k. It proved to be a great, well-organized community event, with a fun course that circled Hermiston Butte, a notable landmark in the center of town. The event will celebrate its 20th anniversary this…
Hermiston and Baker City are certainly not right next to each other, at least not close enough to make both of these events. But which ever one you choose, you will find a real sense of small town appeal and fun in either city, not to mention a real bargain for a race! In Hermiston, you will discover a famiy friendly event, with a great low cost, that includes snacks and sack lunch for everyone…
Do you know any runners that are between the ages of 7 and 14? Be sure to send them (well, their parents or guardians) this information on TrackTown Youth League: a series of FREE track meets that will culimate in a state-wide meet. There are 16 of these completely free all-comer meets. (All-comer meaning that anyone age 7-14 can sign up. They don’t have to be invited, have a previous recorded race time, or be…
