Run Pacifica

We're a small, simple running group with the mission of putting on fun and free running events with routes and locations not currently offered in the Northwest by other running clubs and race organizers.

Now a 50-50!

Bonus distance for bonus fun. The first ~29 miles of the courses are shared and you can choose how to finish your day as you get to the west end of the Sellwood Bridge: keep it a nice, neat 50K, or add extra adventure with a visit to Lake Oswego and Oregon City, checking out a different batch of quiet streets, paved pedestrian paths, and great waterfront views.

The "50M" is actually ~53 miles in distance, so be aware that you'll likely roll over mile 50 and still have a good chunk of ground to cover. The 50K course is slightly long, I've had it measure at 31.5 to 32 miles in the three past years.

Start Point

Brooklyn Park in SE Portland, the uphill/10th Ave side so we can take off northbound and use the pedestrian bridge over Powell. There's a convenience store, coffee shop, and bar (great whiskey menu) just across the street for your pre- and post-run needs.

The Course

50K GPX link

50M GPX link

For the ~10 people who've run this event in its first three years, it'll be a reversal of the '23/'24/'25 course. If you're new to the event... welcome!

We head north from Brooklyn Park, onto the Eastbank Esplanade until it ends at the Steel Bridge. Then continue through North Portland, eventually finding Willamette Blvd over the bluffs and passing University of Portland to get to the St John's Bridge.

Cross the bridge and climb into Forest Park on Ridge Trail. This ~1 mile trail stretch is the exception to the very flat and smooth course overall -- it's steep, somewhat technical, narrow, and can be slick when wet. I'd still recommend road shoes for the other 30/50 miles of your day, but be ready for this one.

You'll then hit Leif Eriksen (smooth, wide dirt and gravel road) and follow it all the way to the gate at Thurman Drive. Dip through NW Portland (getting water and a bathroom stop at Wallace Park or one of many stores/markets/cafes) and work your way back to the Willamette.

When you get to the Sellwood Bridge at mile ~29, it's decision time!

50K: cross the Sellwood, head north back towards Brooklyn Park, and wrap up your day!

50M (actually 53): climb through River View Cemetery and head towards Tryon Creek Park and the (paved) Terwilliger Trail. Continue through Lake Oswego, Mary S Young Park, then re-cross the Willamette to get into Oregon City. You'll then run the length of the Trolley Trail that starts in Gladstone, work your way back to the Sellwood Bridge that you passed 20+ miles ago, and continue back to our start/end point in Brooklyn Park.

What To Bring

This is an unsupported run with no aid stations. Bring cash/cards to grab any snacks you need from markets along the way. The Forest Park stretch (approximately mile 11 to mile 21) is the longest portion without a chance to buy/refill, so plan accordingly.

There are also no course markings. If you're from out of town, feel free to load up a GPX on your watch or phone. Small variances from the "official" route are no problem at all... if you make a loop that uses the right bridges for your distance (St Johns and Sellwood for the 50K, St Johns and Oregon City for the 53M), you're probably doing fine.

Other (Free) Races

Coming soon?

Event's current local time: 11:47 AM PT