Wondering what races are worthwhile into looking to for 2017? We compiled a list of the most popular and up-and-coming races near Portland and Beaverton for the first half of 2017. These races are all within the city and within 30 min driving radius from the heart of Portland.
Portland Races Spring 2017 (January to May)
Worst Day of The Year Run
Saturday January 28th 2017
Info: The 5 and 10K course runs on Packed Gravel, with short, rolling hills and exceptional views of the columbia River. The race is hosts 1000-5000 runners. Flexible start times. Free Columbia sponsored gift and McMenamins sponsored post-run soup. Free beer for costumed participants including a costume contest.
Heart Breaker Half - 5k, 10k, Half-Marathon
Sun, Feb 12, 2017 - Hillsboro, OR
The Heart Breaker Half Run/Walk consists of 5K, 10K and half marathon distances. This smaller road race hosts 500-1000 runners. The race takes place on beautiful Hillsboro country roads, starting and ending at Liberty High School. The half marathon contains a leg of the race known as the Heartbreak hill – which is a total elevation gain of 193 feet. This section will be timed and the fastest 5 female and 5 male runners will win a prize.
Oregon Brewery Running Series - Rogue Eastside 5K Fun Run
Sat, Feb 18, 2017 - Portland, OR
The race is atypical in that it is not timed and roads are not closed for runners/walkers but supervision by race guides are present keep roads safe for participants. The course starts and ends at Rogue brewery. All participants receive a craft brew from Rogue Eastside, along with collectors pint glasses and swag items from race sponsor partners.
Lucky Dog 5k, 10k, & Free 1/4 Kids Run
Sun, Mar 12, 2017 - Portland, OR
This 5K, 10L and kids run a touted as a low-key 100-500 St Patrick’s day event along paved Rock Creek Trail. Leashed dogs and strollers are allowed on this run. Awards given to top 3 male and female finishers. Meeting location is Westview High on 185th.
The Dirty Leprechaun!
Sat, Mar 18, 2017 - Tualatin, OR
Like its name suggests, runners will get muddy and dirty on this obstacle course. After over 21 obstacles over 5K, runners will receive a commemorative T-shirt, and free cider, beer or food. Located in Lee Farms, this chip-timed event will be limited to 1000 runners.
adidas Shamrock Run
Sun, Mar 19, 2017 - Portland, OR
Located in Portland’s Waterfront park, this run is Portland’s largest race and comprises of several distances: 5K, 8K, 15K, and half marathon. This road race caps at 35,000 participants and has sold out in previous years. Runners are awarded with shirts, medals and beer. 15K and half marathoners are awarded with a bottle opener medal and there will also be live entertainment at the event.
Race for the Roses
Sun, Apr 2, 2017 - Portland, OR
Albertina Kerr’s, the race’s main host, provides programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. All proceeds of the race go to the Albertina Kerr foundation. This feel-good course winds through downtown Portland, the waterfront and over Portland’s bridges. The race expects to draw a crowd of 1000 to 5000 participants and has 5K, 10K and half marathon legs.
Dogwood Dash 5K/10K
Sat, Apr 08, 2017 - Milwaukie, OR
This competitive road race will benefit the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Milwaukie. The dogwood has K and 10K components and hope to garner 100-500 runners. It will be held at the Milwaukie Waterfront Park.
Bridge To Brews
Sun, Apr 09, 2017 - Portland, OR
This race starts and finishes at Widmer Brothers Brewing Company and takes runners/walkers over the Fremont Bridge. The event has great festivities such as live music, food and beer and because of its overwhelming popularity has sold out well in advance in the last couple of years, each year garnering about 5000 runners. The post-race fair also hosts a number of Portland’s local breweries as well. Each participant receives a commemorative cup and 10 free tasting tickets – perfect for the beer lover.
Hop Hop Half Marathon & 5K
Sat, Apr 15, 2017 - Portland, OR
This is a very fast course that is relatively flat on Marine Dr. Previous runners and patients have described it is a gentle incline and then decline out-ad-back route. The perfect race to try to PR on – it is indeed chip-timed and certified. This race is Easter-themed and hosts magnificent views of the Columbia River the entire race. The Easter theme follows after the 5K or half marathon race with Easter brunch-inspired food items.
Falcon 15K Relay Plus 15k, 10k, 5K Run & 5k Walk
Sat, Apr 22, 2017 - Hillsboro, OR
The 15K race can be split between 3 runners in a relay. Each team member will run the same 5km route before handing off to their teammate. There is also a 5K, 10K and 5K walk available. Proceeds of this race benefit “Liberty Fit” a club that inspires and supports students in running their first half marathon. This fast flat race will draw 100 to 500 participants.
Double Five 5k, 5 Miler, 8.1 Miles
Sat, Apr 22, 2017 - Lake Oswego, OR
This race hosts a 5K or a 5 mi run and for those with endurance can choose to do both, called a “Double Five”. The race will take place along Willamette River in Lake Oswego and will be chip-timed. Expect 100-500 participants.
The Portland Trail Series
May through June, 2017 every 2 weeks – Forest Park
This low-key but hilly race has three series to it and each series involves 5 runs, 4mi-6mi each. The spring series runs from May 3rd to June 28th and holds it every Wednesday. The courses are all trail runs through Forest Park. Proceeds benefit Forest Park Conservancy and will have no more than 500 runners. The courses are announced on the Monday before each run on their Facebook page. A celebration will be held at the end of the final race in Lucky Lab Brewery.
Cinco de Mayo Half marathon, 10K and 5K Run/Walk
Sun, May 07, 2017 - Portland, OR
Different than in previous years, this race will start on the East Side Industrial Area. This large event will host 1000-5000 runners and will cover scenic routes of the Morrison and Steel Bridges. Terrapin Events is the main host of this race and they are known for producing fun-filled events with live music – a mariachi band, beer, snacks and plenty of vendors. This is a chip-timed race and is USATF certified.
Hosford Husky Hustle 5K Fun Run
Sun, May 07, 2017 - Portland, OR
This family fun run benefits Hosford Middle School and circles around Ladds Additiona Rose Gardens. Proceeds from the race will be split 25/75 with Shu Ren (the parent support organization for the Mandarin Immersion Program at Hosford MS, Woodstock ES, and Cleveland HS) and Hosford Middle School PTSA..
Hippie Chick Quarter Marathon, 15K, and Half Marathon
Sat, May 13, 2017 - Hillsboro, OR
The Hippie Chick Quarter & Half Marathon is a very popular all women’s event that is held on the weekend of Mother’s Day. The race starts and ends in Hillsboro Ron Tonkin Field and Ballpark. Instead of a medallion, runners receive a necklace post-run. There are a few hills during this race and will course around Washington County with scenic views. Wind will be a factor in how fast runners can run this race. Costumes are celebrated during this run and prizes will be given to the top three “hippie chicks”. Runners will enjoy regular water stations, in addition to food, fun and festivities after the run. Live entertainment will be there for this large event of 2000+ runners.
41st Annual Lake Run - Tough 10K, 5K Run/Walk, Kids Dash
Sat, May 13, 2017 - Lake Oswego, OR
Runners will climb hills and meander around beautiful but challenging Oswego Lake. The 5K Run/Walk route will also include stunning views of the Lake as well. All net proceeds from this event will support local charities such as: Clackamas County Women's Shelter, The Children’s Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and LO Reads. This is a small local event, expect 100-500 runners.
Wanderlust 108 Portland
Sat, May 14, 2017 – Laurelhurst Park
Running, yoga and meditation is combined together for this event. Runners will enjoy post-run yoga and guided meditation. Though a 5K race, it will garner some popularity, inviting up to 5000 participants.
Run Mama Run
Sat, May 14, 2017 – Mt. Tabor Park
This small (250 runners/walkers) family event that celebrates Mother’s Day will include a 5K, 10K through forested Mt. Tabor Park. There will be additional family events post-run including crafts for kids and complimentary breakfast.
$5 5K Series Fun Run
May 2017 (TBD) – Portland
This small and affordable family run is a series that courses through some of the city’s local parks. Each race through the year (they host 6 throughout the year) meander through a loop around local parks and proceeds benefit Portland Parks and Recreation. Stride Strong PT is often a sponsor for this event where we hold booths and give runners/walkers complimentary screens for running injuries and exercise suggestions.
Stomp Out Abuse
Saturday May 20th,2017 – Hillsboro
This small and local race is organized to give the community awareness to domestic abuse and violence. Participants can run or walk the road course and enjoy music by SEI Drum Line and N-Touch Jazz band.
Skin Cancer Awareness 5K
Saturday May 20th,2017 – Sellwood Riverfront Park
The purpose of this small and local race is bring awareness to skin cancer. Money is raised for the Skin Cancer Foundation and last year they garnered over 130 participants.
Trail Factor Half Marathon
Saturday May 27th,2017 – Forest Park
This small half marathon will course through hilly trails of Forest Park. There will be a few aid stations along the way, refer to the website for more details on where these are. All proceeds of the race will go the Forest Park Conservancy.
ORRC Up the Lazy River 10K
Mon, May 29, 2017 - West Linn, OR
This small but popular 10K race follows along the scenic Willamette River and starts/ends at beautiful Mary Young Park. The finish will be a fast downhill. This race is part of the ORRC 10K Race Series. Walkers have a separate start time 30 min earlier than runners.