Photo Courtesy: Anna_Anikina
Run and Discover
Eight races for steps, miles or fun
Running races has become a reason to travel and explore new places in recent years, and there’s no better time than spring to pack your bags—don’t forget your running shoes—for a runcation. But you don’t have to be a marathoner or even a runner to enjoy these weekend activities. Fun runs bring together events and distances for everyone, walkers included. These are sometimes just one part of a weekend-long festival to celebrate a place or theme. With distances from kids’ runs and 1K dashes to 5K, 10K and beyond, these eight fun runs will have travelers of all ages and abilities moving their feet while exploring a new favorite vacation destination.
1. Cheadle Lake Fun Run and Obstacle Dash
May 3, Lebanon, Oregon
Run Lebanon’s trail system along Cheadle Lake and the Santiam River on the 5K or 10K courses, and stay post-run for the kids’ half-mile obstacle course dash. See buildlebanontrails.com.
2. Run on the River
May 10, Astoria, Oregon
After your chosen run distance—5K, 10K or even a half marathon (13.1 miles)—along the Astoria River Walk, you’ll be ushered to Buoy Beer’s Lagerfest afterparty, where you can celebrate your miles. See astoriaparksfoundation.com.
3. Oregon Trail Game 5K
May 24, Oregon City, Oregon
Take a nostalgic trip along the Oregon Trail as you enter a reenactment of the ever-popular 1980s video game. On this 5K course, you’ll need to make quick decisions to survive the winter on the trail. See runsignup.com.
4. Priest Lake Spring Fun Run
May 25, Coolin, Idaho
The whole family can find something to do at the Priest Lake Fun Run held during the annual Priest Lake Spring Festival. Start the day with a kids’ dash, 5K, or 10K jaunt, and stay awhile for the parade, food, drinks and vendors. See priestlakerace.com.
5. Indian Creek Winery 5K
June 1, Kuna, Idaho
Walk or run through the vineyards at the Indian Creek Winery 5K where your miles will be rewarded with a glass of the family-owned winery’s craft. See indiancreekwinery.com.
6. Old Fort Boise Days Fun Run
June 14, Parma, Idaho
Wrap up a weeklong celebration of Parma’s Old Fort Boise with a 5K or kids’ run through the historic grounds. Stay postrace for a car show, live music and local vendors. See oldfortboisedays.com.
7. Grateful Dad Run
June 14, Portland, Oregon
Celebrate the father figure in your life at the Grateful Dad Run along the Springwater Corridor Trail in Portland. Choose from a kids’ run to 5K, 10K or half marathon, and indulge in pancakes at the finish line. See rungratefuldad.com.
8. CASA of Marion County Superhero Run
June 22, Salem, Oregon
Don a cape and join Salem’s Superhero Run, where costumes are a must and the 1-mile, 5K and 10K runs raise funds for CASA of Marion County, a nonprofit that advocates for children in foster care. See casamarionor.org.
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