Part of the nation's oldest crawfish festival, the Crawfish Crawl 5k is a super fun and friendly run! This event has always been known as a fast walking and running course and this year is no different. In fact, there has been a major remodel to the route, which should make it one of the best 5k courses in town. The majority of the run or walk will be on a closed bike path underneath a shaded canopy of trees and the Tualatin Commons Lake provides a refreshing and festive start/finish for the race.

After the run, be sure to cash in on the complimentary Jamba Juice and hang out for the awards ceremony. Portland Running Company will be providing shoes, apparel and accessories for awards and prizes. Don't forget that the Tualatin Crawfish Festival will be in full swing on the commons and in the City Park. The festival will have a yummy pancake breakfast near the finish line so be sure to bring the family and friends to enjoy the rest of the day.

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For those of you who don't find marathons challenging enough, the Where's Waldo 100k Ultramarathon should do the trick. The course is openly described as "not easy" and is 97% on single-track trails with more than 11,000' of elevation gain and equal amount of loss. There are three major climbs of more than 2000' each and two minor climbs of more than 1000' each. On the bright side, the course offers breathtaking views from multiple peaks.

Even though there is a certain level of seriousness to this run (all participants must have completed at least one trail 50k or longer within the last two years), there are still some comical aspects involved. If you're the first to "find Waldo", or the first to reach the summit of Fuji Mountain, which is where Waldo Lake can be seen for the first time, you will receive an outdoor gear prize. Then there is the "Wet Waldo" award given to the runner who swims in the most lakes – there are six possibilities. Lastly, there is a prize for the person who is showing off the most Waldo. Even if you don't win one of these awards, there is a delicious post-race BBQ at the lodge for all runners.

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In it's second annual year, the Oregon Trout City of Portland Triathlon hopes to surpass the success it had in its first! Not only have they improved the bike course, but they have also improved the level of sustainability of the event – it wouldn't be Portland-esque if they didn't. Bamboo race shirts, durable bike racks from kiln-dried bamboo poles, extensive recycling and composting, locally sourced, organic food and drink, and renewable solar power are all ways the event is trying to reduce their environmental footprint.

Also new this year, participants can choose from a sprint or Olympic distance course. The swim will take place in the mighty Willamette River, starting from the docks at River Place Marina and finish on the beach just south of the Hawthorne Bridge. Next, hop on your bike to catch some beautiful views of downtown as you wind through forested areas. Finish up with a run along the river's shoreline as you make a loop along the Eastbank Esplanade and the Waterfront Park. Reward your efforts at the finish line festival with a massage, live music, organic food and a frosty beer from Dechutes Brewery.

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A Portland tradition, this 10k road race is perfect for all levels of ability. The race begins at adidas Headquarters on Greely and loops through the Albina neighborhood past the Widmer Brothers Gasthaus and Brewery – a reminder of what's to come when you're finished running! Next you'll cross the Broadway Bridge and take in beautiful views of the Willamette River and downtown as you wind down through Waterfront Park. The journey ends at the Old Spaghetti Factory, but not to worry, the fun is just beginning! There will be a post-race meal provided by the Old Spaghetti Factory, beer from Widmer, and live entertainment right on the banks of the Willamette.

If you want to sneak in a training run prior to the race, you can do so on Wednesday, August 27 at 6 pm. Adidas will have a shoe bar for you to try out the latest and greatest shoes while you go for your practice run. They will also be providing prizes and giveaways. Finish the evening off with some appetizers in the Old Spaghetti Factory and a cold beer from Widmer.

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