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Destination Events 2009 - 2010
Who said people aren’t traveling because of the economy? I beg to differ, walkers like to travel and there are many beautiful locations that offer marathons, half marathons, 10k, and 5k events. Many walkers stay in shape all year just so that they can walk an event anywhere they happen to be visiting.
Major cities offer events throughout the year. Many cities have “cause” walks on any given weekend during the spring, summer, and fall. Fair weather locations like the southern states also host events during the winter. When on a business trip or just traveling with the family or friends, always pack your walking shoes, hydration pack, and anything else you might need for a long walk. You never know what walking event you might stumble upon while traveling.
If you are goal oriented, then now is the time to choose an event to train for. Popular events sell out fast and hotels fill up even faster. Signing up early for the event can save on registration and can motivate you to start training. Many marathons host great expos before the race that offer discounts on shoes, clothing, and race related products. It’s our experience that expos are held in the host hotel, so you might consider booking a room in that hotel. Most of the time they offer discounts to race participants, plus you can save on a car rental.
Traveling to a destination just for the event? Plan ahead and study the route. You don’t want to have to walk from your hotel to the starting line miles away. Also think about how you’ll feel after the event. You don’t want to walk additional miles back to your room. If you are traveling with your family, have something for them to do while you are walking. Depending on the event you may be out there awhile.
Now with fall fast approaching and the thought of a long winter ahead, pick a place you would like to visit and see what events they offer. If you haven’t been training, give yourself at least three months of walking to try a 5k or 10k. Give yourself six months for a half marathon and more time for a marathon. Pick an event from one of the many advertisers supporting Walk About magazine throughout the year.
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Discover Bellingham Volksfest
September 11-13, 2009
www.nwtrekkers.org
Three days of walking, food and friendship. Five non-competitive walks from 5k to15k, one bike event and three socials in beautiful Bellingham, WA. Nestled between Bellingham Bay and the North Cascade Mountains near Mt. Baker, this event brings together those looking for a fun filled weekend. One 5k is led by the mystery writer, Jo Dereske, the author of the Miss Zukas mystery series. Most of these mysteries take place in Bellhaven, which are the cities of Bellingham and Fairhaven. Dereske will be walking and talking about the many places and landmarks mentioned in her mysteries.
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Sisters Stride into Autumn
September 20, 2009
www.wondersofwalking.com
This 10k walk/run and 15k walk is held in beautiful Sisters, OR walking in the Deschutes National Forest. Wonders of Walking wants you to enjoy this time of year with the “Sisters Stride into Autumn. It’s about health, fun, and the social benefits of walking. Whether you are a competitive, fitness, or social walker you will find that this weekend getaway has something for everyone. |
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St. Luke’s Women’s Fitness Celebration
September 24-26, 2009
www.celebrateall.org
This is America’s largest and favorite 5k for women. This event is a great girl’s getaway to beautiful Boise, ID. The St. Luke’s Celebration is a three day event encompassing a two day women’s show and a 5k run, walk, and stroll for women of all ages and all abilities. The mission of the Celebration is to inspire healthy attitudes in the participants so that it reaches families and the community. In its 17 years of existence, the Celebration has made a positive impact on the community of Boise and on the participants. This event draw close to 20,000 attendees each year, and is host to over 160 vendors.
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Portland Marathon
October 4, 2009
www.portlandmarathon.org
Right here in our own backyard of Portland, OR, this coarse is open nine hours for walkers of all paces. The marathon is open to 10,000 participants with 58% women and has been ranked as one of the country’s walkers friendliest events. There is a Nordic Walking division as well as a racewalking division. This could be a destination for your best friend to come and join you for a walk.
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Rock ‘n’ Roll Half
Marathon San Jose
October 4, 2009
www.san-jose.competitor.com
This event is great for your first half marathon. With a scenic and historic course and a four hour time limit, you can take you time to listen to the music and enjoy the beautiful meandering course. This is another one of those very organized with no detail forgotten events. With everyone going the same distance this course will be fast and flat with music every mile and a concert with Jonny Lang in the park.
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Great Columbia Crossing 10k
October 11, 2009
www.greatcolumbiacrossing.com
This event has a small hometown feel and you will be treated to a visually stunning race. This 28th annual walk/run starts in Washington crossing the 4.1 mile long Astoria-Megler Bridge, finishing in Oregon. The bridge is the longest continuous three span through truss bridge in the world, rising 205 feet above the river offering a challenging incline as well as panoramic views of the historic Astoria and Warrenton communities.
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Prince Edward Island Marathon
October 16-18, 2009
www.princeedwardislandmarathon.com
Your Race... Your Pace! There is an event for everyone on this gorgeous island in Canada. Events for walkers include the Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, Nordic Walk Half and Nordic Walk 10k. The marathon starts at beautiful Brackley Beach in the famous Prince Edward Island National Park on the north shore of Prince Edward Island. Marathoners will enjoy views of the famous Prince Edward Island National Park sand dunes and beaches. Getting to the island is half the fun. Flights arrive and depart daily to and from Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax.
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Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay
November 15, 2009
www.bigsurhalfmarathon.org
An unparalleled race destination weekend. The course is a gentle rolling, fast course that winds through downtown Monterey, along Cannery Row and proceeds along Pacific Grove’s coastline with incredible views of the Monterey Bay. This destination event has something to offer to everyone in your party, whale watching, wine tasting, golfing at Pebble Beach, shopping on Cannery Row and of course the famous Monterey Bay aquarium. So bring the family and walk. This event fills up fast and usually sells out.
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Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas
December 6, 2009
www.las-vegas.competitor.com
This is an inaugural race, so watch out for a spectacular show. This event benefits Chrohns and Colitis Foundation of America. The course carries you along the famous Vegas strip finishing at the Mandelay Bay hotel for the party. You can renew your wedding vows along the way or dress like Elvis and walk with many other Elvi. There will be live bands, cheerleaders, and themed water stations at each mile along the race course to entertain participants in true Las Vegas style. This event is expected to sell out. The party is on!
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Whidbey Island Marathon
April 11, 2010
www.whidbeyislandmarathon.com
This is a perfect island weekend getaway where you can leave the city behind. Whidbey Island is just north of Seattle, nestled up in Washington State’s Puget Sound. Leave the city behind this spring and have a mini vacation before or after the event. There are many quant little towns on the island and some of the best restaurants. The course is quite scenic on country back roads and along the waterfront coastline. All finishers receive a one-of-a-kind medal.
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International Discovery
Walk Festival
April 23-25, 2010
www.discoverywalk.org
The Discovery Walk Festival is sponsored by International Walk Fest and the City of Vancouver, WA. Sanctioned by IVA/IVV and IML Walking Association, this family friendly, walker-friendly weekend offers a wide range of walks — from 5k to 42k including a marathon and half marathon. There is even a bike, walk, and swim event for those that want to try a triathlon. The Discovery Walk is one of the only two IML walking association events in the USA. It attracts walkers from around the world and across the US and Canada. This annual event has events for walkers from all walks of life.
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Big Sur International Marathon
April 25, 2010
www.bsim.org
This is the 25th Anniversary of the Big Sur International Marathon, so there will be a lot of celebration. The marathon has a strict six hour cut off time but it is still possible to walk. New this year, the 10.6 Mile Walk will become the “10-6 Miler” and the 9-Mile Walk will be the “9-Miler.” Both of these non-competitive fitness events will be chip timed. Walking in the redwoods and along the Pacific rim is not only breathtaking but will be unforgettable. This event sells out quickly so sign up early for next year.
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Cascade Lakes Relay
May 1-2, 2010
www.cascadelakesrelay.com
The Cascade Lakes Relay is longest relay in US. This relay is growing every year but remains quite intimate. The course is 131.8 miles, beginning at Silver Lake, OR and finishing at Northwest Crossing. Not only is the relay challenging and beautiful but the walkers are treated with their very own staff person from the Smith Rock Group, Christopher Douglas. He really takes care of the walking teams.The walking portion of the relay is the fastest growing component of the event! So get your team together early for next year’s event.
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EugeneMarathon
May 2, 2010
www.eugenemarathon.com
Walk in Pre’s footsteps. Starting at historic Hayward field, home of many Olympic trials NCAA championships, and countless national and world record breaking moments. The event finishes in front of University of Oregon’s Autzen Stadium. The course takes you along scenic river trails, crossing foot bridges over the Willamette River and through six different parks. This event is in it’s fourth year and getting better every year.
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North Olympic Discovery Marathon
June 6, 2010
www.nodm.com
Nestled between the strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic National Park, the Olympic Pennisula is approximately two hours from the Seattle area and a 90 minute ferry crossing from Victoria, British Columbia. This event is very walker friendly. Marathon walkers have an early start time but the half marathon has the same start time as the runners. This is another one of those events to make a long weekend getaway; stay and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
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Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle
June 26, 2010
www.rnrseattle.com
We are not sure how they can top last years event but we are sure they will. This second annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle will sell out fast again, kicking off the Seafair season and solidifying its place as a signature summer event in the Pacific Northwest. As always, this event is very walker friendly. There is so much to do in Seattle and this is a great time of year to head up north. Plan your long weekend around the event and take in Pike Place or a Mariners game.
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Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon
August 7, 2010
www.tacomanarrowshalf.com
Tacoma has had a void in its race calendar during August and now the void has been filled with this new half marathon. The race has a limit of 1,000 runners and walkers so it will fill up fast. This course is not without its challenges, and of course crossing the Narrows Bridge is a sight not to be missed. The weather will not be a factor as it remains somewhat cool this time of year.
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Leading Ladies Marathon
August 17, 2010
www.leadingladiesmarathon.com
This is an all-woman marathon in the mystical Black Hills of Dakota. The course is a gently down hill 26.2 mile journey through Spearfish Canyon from Lead to Spearfish. The ladies come in all sizes, shapes and stamina. This destination event is one where you will want to take in the scenic serinty. Great for a girlfriend’s getaway.
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Portland to Coast Relay
August 27-28, 2010
www.hoodtocoast.com
The largest two day walk relay in the world. Teams travel from downtown Portland, OR through quaint farming communities, to the sandy beaches of Seaside, OR for the big end of the race party! Gather up you best 12 buddies and get your team started as this year the event sold out. Teams come from all over the US just to walk, ride in a van all night, walk some more and have the time of their life. Some of the walking teams have been together since the conception of PTC.
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