Running the Pacific Northwest
Since 1990, the United States has experienced a steady growth in road race participation with over 19 million annual finishers. Whether a seasoned veteran or a novice runner, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) extends more unparalleled running opportunity than any other demographic in the United States. No other region possesses such variety, challenge and beauty in its running courses than the majestic PNW.
Oregon holds one of the most unique and essential 5K experiences. Each summer, Nike World Headquarters opens their esteemed facility for the Bowerman 5K in Beaverton. The distinctness of this race truly exemplifies the heart of running in Oregon as it is named after the legendary coach and Nike co-founder, Bill Bowerman. Runners are provided internal access to the facility as well as opportunity to meet elite and professional athletes. Since its inception, the generated profit has been utilized to support the Achon Uganda Children’s Fund. The premise of the mission is to provide opportunity, education and a better quality of life for children living in Uganda.
If seeking the road race with the most, the Lilac Bloomsday Run in Spokane is certainly exemplary. This high energy Goliath of a race is held the first Sunday in May and is notoriously esteemed for its average size of 50,000 runners and the intensity of its dreaded “Doomsday Hill.” The 12K race is the third largest in the nation, only after the Atlanta Peachtree Road Race and the New York City Marathon. Its popularity came early as it was drafted by Don Kardong, a local runner and Olympic marathon athlete. It started in 1976 with a little more than 1,000 runners and grew to 61,298 by 1996. This race has become a favorite and draws in the top athletes in the world.
There is an anonymous quote that the human spirit needs places that have not been re-arranged by the hands of man. We can find ourselves enamored in these majestically beautiful moments that can only be experienced on foot. Life becomes serene, simple and fulfilling when running in a place of beauty. It’s just you, the view and the breeze generated by the acceleration of your own two feet. When it comes to the offering of nature’s picturesque landscape, Idaho and Washington will take your breath away.
The Bellingham Bay Marathon in September is renowned as being one of the most beautiful of all courses. It begins and ends in the charming downtown area of Bellingham. Runners are enamored with views of the Bellingham Bay, San Juan Islands and the Cascade Mountains. This race is certified by the USA Track & Field organization as a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon and is generously supported by its volunteers. Many runners return each year so that they may partake in the scenic splendor only provided by this course.
A run is never just a run; it’s irrelevant whether it’s one mile or 50 miles. It’s about setting out to accomplish something truly difficult. The sport parallels life; sometimes, you’re left feeling as though you could take on the world and other times, the world has taken on you. Whatever reason is stowed in the heart to run, there is no other place that will offer such diversity, challenge and scenic majesty than the great Pacific Northwest.
