It’s almost springtime again, which means loads of outdoor activities to look forward to. Of course, if you’re a runner, you already know about the many fun runs, 5Ks, marathons, and road races happening all over the Willamette Valley. But if you’re a runner-to-be or just looking for a reason to buy a new pair of running shoes – here are six of our favorite races happening this spring in the Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, area.
Tillman Honor Run
April 15 | Beaverton, Oregon
This 4.2-mile race honors Pat Tilman, a former ASU Sun Devil, and Arizona Cardinal. Tillman left his NFL career to enlist after the 9/11 attacks. He later died while serving as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan.
Each year, The ASU Alumni Association partners with the Pat Tillman Foundation to coordinate Tillman Honor Runs around the country.
This race is open to all ages – participants will receive a medal and a Pat’s Run race t-shirt. All funds raised go towards the Foundation’s Tillman Scholars program, which helps service members, veterans, and military spouses achieve their educational goals. To register, visit: Tillman Honor Run
Cinco De Mayo Run
May 6 | Milwaukie, Oregon
The Cinco de Mayo Run is a fun family event on a flat course with a kids run, 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon options available. In addition, participants can enjoy free parking, an awards ceremony, and a post-run party with mariachis, beer, and food.
For more information, check out the Cinco de Mayo Race Page.
Walk/Run for the Animals
May 6 | Vancouver, WA
If you’re looking for a race to do with your pet, look no further than the Walk/Run for the Animals. It’s Southwest Washington’s largest pet-friendly walk supporting the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. Proceeds benefit the thousands of pets who receive lifesaving care from the Human Society. This year’s event will be held at Esther Short Park in Downtown Vancouver. For more information, visit the Southwest Humane Society’s Race page.
Girls on The Run
May 29 | Location TBD
Girls On the Run is a national nonprofit organization that uses a researched-based curriculum “designed to enhance participants’ social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences.” Each Girls On the Run session ends with a 5K open to the community. To learn more about Girls on The Run or to register for this event, visit the Girls On the Run Greater Oregon Website.
Stumptown Trail Runs 50K & Half Marathon
May 27-29 | Forest Park
For those who prefer running on a trail instead of on the road, there’s the Stumptown Trail Runs 50K & Half Marathon. The event takes place over Memorial Day weekend and supports the Forest Park Conservancy. The 50K is the only one held in Portland and includes a 4,000-foot elevation gain. For hardcore runners or those with a sense of adventure, this event is not to be missed!
ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk – Portland
June 25 | Portland, Oregon
The Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk will be held in Portland at Elizabeth Caruthers Park on June 25. This event will contain both an in-person and a virtual component. The event will celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers and honor those who have died from the disease. The family-friendly event also includes a ‘Superhero Dash for Dad’ that children can participate in. Visit the Zero Prostate Cancer – Portland page to learn more about the organization and the race.
If you’re planning an outdoor event, road race, or festival this spring, we can help make it safer by providing high-quality portable restrooms and handwashing equipment. We rent portable restrooms across southwest Washington and northwest Oregon, so whether you’re in Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR, or other nearby cities and need to rent a portable restroom, wash station, trailered restroom, or holding tank, contact us today so that we can give you a porta-potty quote for your project or event.