Portland's only reversed-timed race is back! Reach the Bridge, a fundraiser for the American Lung Association in Oregon, deviates from the standard race style of everyone starting at the same time and finishing at different times. Instead, you pick your start time (as late as you dare!) and race against the clock to cross the Burnside Bridge before it goes up at 9:00 am sharp! If you succeed, a rocking after-party awaits you right on the bridge.

Starting at the World Forestry Center, this stunning 8k run and walk takes you through the majestic Forest Park, down a closed Burnside Street, and over the famous Burnside Bridge. You've probably already figured out that it's a super fast course as it's all downhill! This makes it a perfect event for runners and walkers of all levels. You can also opt to run or walk a 2k course – perfect for the kiddies.

As Reach the Bridge is a fundraiser for the American Lung Association in Oregon, there is a $50 minimum fundraising requirement, but your donations go a long way. Twenty-five percent of proceeds from the event help fund lung cancer research and the remaining 75% of proceeds support the programs of the American Lung Association in Oregon that work to prevent lung cancer and provide support for those currently fighting lung disease. In addition to knowing that that the funds they raise support important local programs and national research initiatives, motivated fundraisers are also eligible for great prizes.

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Come be a part of America's biggest 4th of July 10k where there is something for everyone! Participants can choose from a competitive 10k or a 4.5 mile Mayor's Fitness Walk. The 10k course begins with the traditional start up the impressive Donald Street Hill, followed by an equally steep downhill that allows you to catch your breath. After you survive the descent, the rest of the course is flat and fast. If you're not quite up for the legendary climb, you can still be a part of the fun by taking part in the Mayor's Fitness Walk, which takes participants along the flat portion of the 10k.

Cash prizes are available for the top three overall men and women and other prizes are available for the winners of each age division. Random drawings for great door prizes will also be held. All profits from the Aquafina® Butte to Butte go to support the programs of the Oregon Track Club, including the summer all-comers' meets for kids, promotional activities for the UO track teams, and maintenance of Pre's Trail. With a challenging course and awesome t-shirts, Eugene's most popular road race continues its long tradition and ignites the holiday fireworks!

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An event that started 11 years ago, designed by runners, for runners, Run in the Country is now the classic half marathon of the summer. It is a fast, fun race in a rural setting that offers a quiet getaway from the city life. The loop course winds through Coburg and then moves into the countryside, where you will run alongside wildflowers and hear the sound of birds chirping.

If you want to get the whole family involved, there is also a non-competitive half marathon walk, a half-marathon relay (three-person teams) and a kid's 400m fun run. Afterward, everyone can hang out in the scenic Norma Pfeiffer Park for the awards ceremony and raffle drawings. The event is over with by ten, so you've got the rest of the day to enjoy in the countryside!

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Got a team running in Hood to Coast? Want a practice event before the big day? Mt. Rainier to Pacific Relay gives you that chance. In its 21st year, this low key and racer friendly event will be a great indication to see how you and your team will perform. Each eleven-person team will cover 153 miles all the way from Mt. Rainier to Ocean Shores, WA. The terrain is mostly flat and rolling with no major hills and the route offers a variety of scenic areas throughout SW Washington. There are thirty-six legs to conquer, each ranging from two+ to six+ miles. Each team member will run three legs. This event also offers a one hundred mile course for a seven-person walking team and a solo run for all you ultra marathoners out there.

You will also be taken care of along the way with a midnight breakfast/shower rest stop at the midway point at Elma High School. When your team triumphantly reaches the coast, there will also be a free buffet and drinks at the finish. Hang out at the finish line festivities and receive your collector quality colored t-shirts and commemorative medals.

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If First Thursday gallery walks aren't quite your style, come be a part of this alternative "walk" (ok, run). Fit Right NW hosts it's very own First Thursday Run and Urban Scavenger Hunt at its NW 23rd location. The rules are simple: at 6 pm, two large maps are revealed with various checkpoints. You have an hour to run or walk your way to as many checkpoints as possible. At each location, you will be given a raffle ticket. The more raffle tickets you get, the better your chances are for the huge raffle drawing at the finish. Try to hit as many checkpoints as you can, but remember that the raffle drawing starts at 7pm whether you are there or not.

This months prizes include 3 pairs of Brooks shoes, 2 pairs of Native sunglasses, 1 Garmin 305 GPS unit, 6 pairs of smortwool and a variety of gift certificates. Even if you don't end up winning any of these awesome prizes, there is Bridgeport beer and appetizers from Santa Fe Tacqueria – and it's all free!

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