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Run, bike and paddle through the Mid-Willamette Valley

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely 5K, a competitive multi-sport race or a 100-mile ride through the country, you’re likely to find it in the Salem and Mid-Willamette Valley area. Here are eight races, runs and rides to take part in this year:

Willamette Valley Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay & 10K

Starting at the Oregon State Capitol, Willamette Valley Marathon runners will tread through the heart of downtown Salem before hitting the beautiful banks of the Willamette River and crossing into Wallace Marine and Minto-Brown Island parks. The race will also offer half marathon, relay and 10K options, followed by a wine festival in Salem’s Riverfront Park. 

Legacy Estate Vineyard Run

Participate in one of six race events happening at Eola Hills’ Legacy Estate on June 2. From a grueling 5K and 10K loop to a race straight to the top of the vineyard hill and a half–mile kids run, there are courses for a variety of skill sets. Before and after the events, there will be camping, yoga, food, music and wine tasting. 

Salem 4th of July Run

Run a 5K through Salem’s Riverfront and Wallace Marine parks or tackle the Stars & Stripes Challenge at the Salem 4th of July Run. There will be three stations along the challenge course, where the Oregon National Guard will put runners through military-style challenges, such as push-ups, lunge jumps and sit–ups. All participants will receive free admission to CherryFest NW and a free beer or cider after the race.   

Run for the Oaks

Left Coast Estate, in Rickreall, is hosting its third annual Run for the Oaks on Aug. 3. The 5K trail walk/run and the 10K trail run takes participants through the winery’s beautiful estate vineyards and old-growth oak savannas. All proceeds will support the winery’s Oak Savanna Restoration Project. Celebrate after the race with award-winning wines.

Monster Cookie Metric Century and Peach of a Century Bicycle Rides

Partake in one or both of the Salem Bicycle Club’s annual rides! For more than 40 years, the Monster Cookie Metric Century Bicycle Ride has taken riders on a mostly flat, 62-mile course from downtown Salem to Champoeg State Park and back. This year’s ride takes place on April 28, featuring the classic 62-mile ride and a 34-mile ride for those looking for a shorter route. 
On Aug. 25, the Peach of a Century ride will offer 100–, 75– and 66-mile routes, each starting and ending at Chemeketa Community College. The routes display a varying amount of difficulty, ranging from moderate to steep hills with rest stops along the way. 

Rotary Multi-Sport Riverfest

Navigating through three of downtown Salem’s most popular parks, the Rotary Multi-Sport Riverfest includes Olympic and Sprint distance triathlons and duathlons as well as 5K, 10K and kids runs. The triathlons will include a swim in the Willamette River, a bike ride through Salem and a run across the Minto Island Pedestrian Bridge. Proceeds from the event will help support the Rotary’s humanitarian projects. 

Spirit of Oregon Half Marathon & High Street Hustle 5K & 10K

Run through the streets of downtown Salem, past historical attractions such as the Oregon State Capitol and Bush’s Pasture Park, at the Spirit of Oregon Half Marathon. If the half marathon isn’t for you, compete in the High Street Hustle 5K or 10K – an annual Salem favorite that is moving to October this year to operate in conjunction with the marathon. Stick around after the race for OR-Toberfest, where each finisher will receive a sampling of local beer, wine and food. 

Shellburg Falls Trail Run

A 5.2-mile trail will take participants around and behind Shellburg Falls, a stunning 100-foot waterfall near Lyons, Oregon. With 750 feet of elevation gain and possible muddy or icy conditions, this course will prove to be a challenge. Pets are allowed. 

To plan your trip to Salem, click here. 

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