The Shamrock Run PDX is a staple of the Portland running community, and I am a happy staple of the 15K runners. The 15K is the perfect distance for this event. It includes the whine-worthy Terwilliger MOUNTAIN without the Naito out and back the half marathoners have to complete. Its long enough to really enjoy a beer, a burger, or whatever else you want. And the distance is a confusing enough length that folks think…
Vancouver and Clark County, WA have quickly become a hotbed of activity on the local racing scene in the last decade or so. One such race, brought to us by Why Racing Events, is the St. Patrick’s Day themed race, the Couve Clover Run. This event, held on Sunday March 19th this year at Vancouver Waterfront Park, includes 3, 7, and 10 mile races. New this year is a fun 1 mile walk option, the…
Shamrock Run will forever hold a place in my heart as the first major running event I participated in. And also as the first major cancellation I experienced in 2020 due to the developing pandemic. With multiple distance options, green sparkles everywhere you look, and a huge beer garden after the finish line, it is easy to understand why Shamrock Run has been part of Portland for 45 years. The event (and seriously, this is…
In March 2020, the first major event cancelled in Portland due to COVID-19 was the Shamrock Run. The races generally bring together 15,000 participants, plus volunteers and spectators, all into packed spaces with lots of deep breaths and clinking post-race beers. While the cancellation email was totally expected, it was also just the first of many many many things that had to change in the new normal. After two years of virtual participation in this…
Every time I go to Vancouver, Washington I have the same thought: I should visit here more often. And since every time I go there is for a race, I then have another thought: I should visit here without regretting my mileage choices. And recently at the Couve Clover Run, those thoughts were back again. I happily chose the Lucky 7-Mile distance this year which is an out-and-back along the waterfront followed by a loop…
Couve Clover Run. Couve Clover Run. Couve Clover Run. Couve Clover Run. Couve Clover Run. Can you say it five times fast? Can you run it one time fast? Couve Clover Run by the always fabulous Why Racing Events is a beautiful spring event that I am excited to have on my racing calendar for 2022. The course includes beautiful sections of Vancouver Waterfront and Fort Vancouver. The 3, 7, and 10 miles options let…
It had been over 14 months since my last in-person race, but the night before jitters were as familiar as ever. Packing my bag for the Couve Clover Run in Vancouver was like dusty out the back of a closet I hadn’t seen in years. What clothes should I wear? What snacks should I take? What podcasts and songs should I download? And how early did that alarm really have to go off? I signed…
This is a real, live, in-person race happing in mid-March; plus it’s for a great cause! The 2021 iRun for Kids event will have 15K, 10K, and 5K course options and of course, the Little Leprechaun Kids Dash. In its 17th year, this race benefits the Albany Public Schools Foundation; a qualified 501c(3) supporting arts, music, science, and health and wellness for students in the Greater Albany Public School District. The 15K, 10K, and 5K…
St. Patrick’s Day is the start of the race season in the Pacific Northwest. Races are scheduled throughout Washington and Oregon to get folks up and moving in sun, rain, snow, or whatever weather March brings. Amid all those events, race directors have to be creative to stand out and invite participants to something special. For the Lucky Clover 10K and 5K in Springfield that creativity comes in two main forms: when and where. With…
There is still time to register for the Couve Clover Run, which is coming to Vancouver on Sunday, March 25th! There is so much to offer and it is always a great event. The race start and finish is in downtown Vancouver – always a fun location – just in front of Main Events Sports Grill. Parking is free and will make it simple and easy to get in and out of the area without needing…
