Oregon Half Marathon
I’ve spent a lot of time in Oregon, mostly in the Portland area. However, I didn’t run a half marathon in Oregon until after I moved away from the area.
This one was a fun adventure for me because it was a weekend when I was single, and my 3 kids were with their dad.
I made the drive down to Hood River, Oregon, about an hour east of Portland.
My cousin and a friend were running the Columbia Gorge Half Marathon in October, and I decided to join them.
I made the drive down by myself and stayed in a hotel for the first time all by myself, which was both fun and kind of scary because I’m an anxious person who worries about everything.
I got into Hood River and honestly can’t remember where I stayed—something along the lines of a Holiday Inn. Nothing fancy, but I had a quick turnaround time. I was driving down on a Saturday and needed to be back home, north of Seattle, in time to pick up my kids Sunday evening.
I also can’t remember the specifics of where I ate, but I’ve been to Hood River before on a girls’ weekend where we did all the walking, eating, drinking, and tasting, and it was fabulous.
And Hood River really is one of those places that is made for a weekend getaway. It sits right along the Columbia River in the Columbia River Gorge and is surrounded by mountains, orchards, vineyards, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and little shops. It has that perfect combination of outdoor adventure and “let’s walk around, eat something delicious, and have a drink” energy.
Definitely recommend adding this to your Oregon bucket list!
Back to the race!
The race is in mid-October, when the leaves are turning into different shades of reds and oranges (and haven’t all fallen off the trees yet). The weather was sunny and not too cold, which made for pretty perfect running conditions.
But the views—the views were incredible!
As the three of us weaved along the Columbia River, I remember constantly looking around and thinking about how beautiful the Gorge was. This course has some elevation to it, so it definitely makes you work, but you’re rewarded with those incredible views along the way.
And you get to run through a tunnel, which was fun. I had never done that before!
I know the Portland Half Marathon is pretty iconic, but if you’re looking for something a little smaller while still making a great weekend trip out of it, the Columbia Gorge Half is a great option.
Hood River has so much to do—restaurants, shops, breweries, wineries, outdoor activities, and plenty of places to stay. You could easily turn the race into a full weekend getaway and explore the Gorge while you’re there.
I ran this race back in October 2022.
This race felt significant to me because, even though it was just one state away, I had checked a state off my list in the short amount of time I didn’t have my kids.
It made me feel like I was making progress.
Even though it was only state number 2.
I made a plan. I made it happen. And I got to take in some absolutely gorgeous views along the way.
That’s really what this whole journey is about for me.
Making the plan. Committing to the race. And then figuring out how to make it happen—even when life is busy and the window of opportunity is small.
A reminder that a goal without a deadline is just a dream, but a goal with a plan makes things happen.
This race marked 2 of 50 states down.
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