“Since 1969, this 15k Loop has defined the Zena Road Runs. Are you up for the challenge? This is the OLDEST race route in Oregon.”These were the lines on the Zena Road Runs website that had me so excited to signed up for the 15K event. The fact I had a late night event the night before, hadn’t run more than 6 miles in months, and was recovering from a leg injury… “OLDEST race route…
When it comes to an early spring race, the leaders behind Mac Forest Trail Runs know there is not a lot of certainty about race conditions: “Given the time of year, we can’t guarantee much, but this much we do know, there is a high probability it’s going to be wet; you’ll likely finish with some mud on your shoes and a smile on your face. So basically, it’s going to be a fun adventure…
After completing a half marathon in an orange orchard several years ago, I obviously had to learn about a race with a 50+ year history that has participants going alongside vineyards in my beloved Pacific Northwest. With Zena Road Runs, you get to choose from three race distances (3-mile, 6-mile, and 15K). The 15K is a loop course and the oldest race course in Oregon; the first participants crossed that start line in 1969. The…
Don’t we all need a little more fancy in our lives? Especially when that fancy can do some good for others. If you agree, consider joining in The Fanciest 5K. Ever. this November 13 in Salem. For those who want to get all the joy but can’t make it in person, not to worry: there is a virtual race option. The in-person event begins at West Salem Courthouse Club Fitness and loops through Wallace…
This fairly new race in the Salem-area is coming up in mid-September and once again will have a 5K, 10K, and 1/2 mile kids dash! The Oregon Hop Run, hosted by The City of Independence and the Monmouth-Independence Area Chamber of Commerce, benefits the Ella Curran Food Bank. Check out our review of the 2021 event! The course starts and ends at the beautiful Riverfront Park in Independence at the amphitheater. Participants will be on…
The Willamette Valley Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K will be held in Salem on Sunday, May 29. Breakaway Promotions WVM is back for its 4th year combined with the Willamette Valley Wine Festival. As always, there is a marathon, half marathon, and 10K for runners to take advantage of. All races will start at Riverfront Park then head over the new Peter Courtney Bridge into Minto-Brown Island Park and follow the Willamette River south before…
The Zena Road Runs, held every February in West Salem for the past 45 years, is just a fantastic race. I don’t end up running it every year, but each time I do (four times now) I am left feeling excited, accomplished, and tired – all mixed into one. After almost a half century, there have been a number of changes – mostly with the starting line location, but the 15k route remains constant and…
The Zena Road Runs (15k, 6m, and 3m) are back again (50+ years!) for their annual running in Salem on Sunday, February 20, 2022. This running staple in the Willamette Valley is in inexpensive rural race, complete with local feel and hills aplenty. The 2020 event will follow primarily the same blueprint as in its recent pre-COVID years past. All race distances start and finish at the Noble Mountain Tree Farm in rural West Salem.…
The Hope Run on Saturday, August 14th is a great chance to add a little more hope into the lives of others. This fundraising events provides 100% of registration fees and donations to the free medical services provided through Hope Pregnancy Clinic. Along with pregnancy tests, medical consultations, and ultrasound exams, the clinic offers new parents with tangible resources like maternity clothes, diapers, and car seats. For over 30 years, Hope Pregnancy Clinic has provided…
It’s the time of year we start thinking about fresh fruits and vegetables from our gardens, farmers’ markets, and produce stands. But, as things ripen, often produce goes to waste – for a variety of reasons. Race to Save the Harvest is raising funds to help Salem Harvest gather that unused harvest from backyards and area farms and make it available to hungry families in the Willamette Valley. Race to Save the Harvest includes a…
