Description

The Oxbow Trail Runs is a fun family event of 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances in the scenic Oxbow Regional Park, Metro, just outside Gresham on the Sandy River, about 30 minutes from downtown Portland. This year’s date for the Oxbow Trail Runs is April 27. Registration opens on January 1st. The 5k price for kids under 18 is only $25.
The Alder Picnic Area is reserved for participants and their guests for the whole day. ETA will serve complimentary sandwiches (meat and vegan) for participants to enjoy after the race. In addition, there are horseshoe pits and play structures, plus a trail down to the beach on the Sandy River.
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Reserve a camping spot and stay for the weekend.

Courses

The 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon start and finish are at the Alder Picnic Area in the park’s center next to the Sandy River. The course uses more trails next to the river, and the Half Marathon starts with a loop instead of an out-and-back. Each race is cupless. The Half and 10k will have water and electrolyte aid stations for refills of handhelds, etc., at the two-mile turnaround point and nine-mile point for the Half.
5K– The 5k is fairly flat and an excellent way for new runners to acclimate to running trails. The start of the run winds through the Ancient Forest before the climb on a gravel road. The 5k splits from the other courses and heads to the Sandy River, providing stunning views of the oxbow bend of the river and the foothills surrounding it. The boat ramp briefly breaks up the river trail, then continues down the river to the finish.
10k- The 10k follows the 5k route for the first mile, where the two distances split, and the run climbs up to Alder Ridge. The trail circles around Elk Meadow. On a clear day, Mt. Hood appears between the towering Douglas Firs. On the other side of the plateau is an out-and-back along the equestrian trail. Runners will be treated with a 300′ challenging climb in a half-mile to the road, only to turn around at the aid station and navigate the stairs and roots on the descent. Continue the loop on Alder Ridge past the moss of ferns of the forest to meet back on the 5k course on the river trails to the finish line.
Half Marathon will be two 10k loops with an extra mile circle on the river and through the Ancient Forest Trails on the first loop. The total elevation is 1800′.

Race Day

4/27/2025

Oxbow Regional Park, Metro opens at 6:30 am. A parking fee is included for all participants who sign up before April 20. It's $5 for those who register after April 20.
Parking is at Alder Picnic Area until full. There are other parking areas throughout the park.
Check-in from 8-8:45 am for Half Marathon, 8-9:05 am for 10k, 8-9:25 am for 5k. Water will be available to fill a water bottle before and after the race (remember this is a cupless race). Park restrooms are near the picnic area. Water will be available to fill a water bottle before and after the race (remember this is a cupless race). Park restrooms are near the picnic area.
Half Marathon will start at 9:00 am, the 10k at 9:20 am, and the 5k at 9:40 am from Alder Picnic Area. We’ll have a pre-race meeting five minutes before each start.
The finish is also at Alder Picnic Area. Finishers will be given a cup and utensils for root beer floats. Guests can have root beer floats ($5) and sandwiches from ETA ($10.)
This race is limited to 150 total runners.
Unique awards for the top 3 male and female finishers of each race and Masters (40+) division. Prizes will be raffled off from our sponsors for the participants.
5k – $50, $60 August 1st; Under 18 is $25
10k – $65, $75 August 1st
Half – $80, $90 August 1st
No refunds as all sales are final.
This race is sanctioned by USA Track and Field

About Oxbow Park

All vehicles entering the park as part of the event will pay a $5 parking fee at the entry booth; busses are $7. A parking pass is included in the race fee for those who register before September 5th. Cell service is minimal.
No Pets– We love them, but pets are not allowed in the vehicle or on a leash at Oxbow Regional Park. This is to preserve the sensitive habitat of the park.
No Alcohol– Alcohol is not allowed in Oxbow Regional Park. Smoking or Vaping is also not allowed.

Event's current local time: 11:30 AM PT