RACE and VENUE DETAILS:
The Venue: Race in the morning in a farmland paradise and head back to town with a gorgeous medal around your neck and plenty of time for your Fourth of July celebrations that afternoon/evening! Looking for the perfect place to start the festivities for your Fourth of July holiday? Look no further than Sauvie Island, the pastoral island paradise just 20 minutes north of downtown Portland. Start your morning off with sunrise views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Saint Helens, and Mt. Adams as you cross over the majestic Sauvie Island Bridge. When you get to the venue at the famous Pumpkin Patch farm and market, you’ll recognize right away that life on the farm is the best way to spend your Fourth of July morning. Replete with a petting zoo, produce market, gift shop, espresso cart, and acres of lush farmland, the Pumpkin Patch is the perfect venue to calm your pre-race nerves and allow you to appreciate the natural beauty all around you.
Race Temps: Did you know that the average high temp for July 4th in Portland is 76 degrees with a low of 56? That’s good news for you! Race day temps usually hover in the low 60’s and rise into the 70’s by 12 pm (can rise into the upper 70’s by late morning).
The courses: Just about the flattest and fastest half and full marathon on the West Coast. But in addition to the fast times expected from completing this event, the splendor of Sauvie Island awaits all runners and walkers that visit. Thousands of songbirds, majestic bald eagles, scenic waterways, and picturesque working farmland are just a few of the sights that await you. Both the half and full are certified road courses. The 10K and 5K are professionally measured and also very flat road courses.
Get Berried with our Strawberry Aid stations: Our popular strawberry-themed aid stations return for 2019 for all distances! All races will have special “strawberry stations” that will feature fresh strawberries and strawberry marshmallows to put a smile on your face and some pep in your step!
The Medal (bling!): Every year our medals get rave review from our participants. This year is no exception with a design that is nod to the beautify you see when you arrive onto the island. The sun slides and “rises” over the iconic bridge and fields just as you’ll witness when you arrive on race morning! Two race medals sizes: 4″ medals for the half/full finishers (with separate specific finisher ribbons for each race) and a 3″ medal for the 5K/10K too! Kids race also get medals!
After you finish, all participants are treated to refreshing and scrumptious island-fresh strawberry shortcake, hot dogs, veggie dogs, and other snacks and fruit! Our gracious hosts, The Pumpkin Patch, also have a petting zoo for the kiddos, tractor rides, espresso stand, gift shop, and an awesome farmers market so you can shop for items to take home that afternoon. For more information on Sauvie Island, check out their informative website. In addition to the many physical benefits of running & walking, we feel that one should always pursue the benefits of academic and research-based stimulation! Click here to expand your geographical horizons! www.sauvieisland.org