Birch Bay Road Race
2027-12-31 08:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Birch Bay Road Race | Start, North Bay Community Church, 4895 Birch Bay Lynden Rd, Blaine, WA, 98230, United States
A scenic coastal road race in Blaine, Washington, that features various distances and a unique club challenge along the shores of Birch Bay.
Course Highlights
The course runs along the beautiful shores of Birch Bay, offering runners expansive views of the water and the mountains of British Columbia. Participants can expect a mostly flat and paved route along Birch Bay Drive, where local wildlife like eagles and herons are frequently spotted. The 15K and 30K courses include loops that pass through scenic seaside village areas and waterfront sections with crisp sea air.
What Makes It Special
The Birch Bay Road Race is known for its “Club Challenge,” where members of US and Canadian running clubs compete for team points and a championship plaque. Its location just miles from the Canadian border makes it a uniquely international community event that draws participants from across the Pacific Northwest. The race is also committed to environmental sustainability through its cupless racing policy and partnership with local charities like the Blaine High School Booster Club.
Race Details

Location: Blaine, WA
Distances: 30K, 15K, 5K
Next Race Date: TBD — visit the official site for updates

Race Weekend Tips
Pre-race packet pickup is typically held on the Friday before the race at North Bay Community Church, with race-day pickup also available. Parking is located at the Birch Bay Water Slides lot directly across from the start/finish line. As a cupless event, runners are encouraged to bring their own handheld bottles or hydration packs, though reusable cups are provided at aid stations. Participants staying at the nearby Semiahmoo Resort can often take advantage of race-specific lodging discounts.
Register
Ready to sign up? Visit the official registration page to secure your spot. Race weekends in the Pacific Northwest are popular — registering early is recommended.

Holiday Half Portland
2027-12-31 08:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Holiday Half Portland | Daimler Swan Island Campus, Daimler Truck North America Campus, Swan Island, Portland, OR, Portland, Oregon, United States
Course Highlights
The Holiday Half starts and finishes at the beautiful LEED Platinum-certified Daimler Truck North America campus on Swan Island, overlooking the Willamette River in Portland. The half marathon, 15K, 10K, and 5K routes wind through the city’s northwest neighborhoods and waterfront, featuring carolers and holiday music stations positioned throughout the course. A popular cookie station greets runners on all distances, delivering one of the most delicious on-course fuel stops in Oregon racing.
Race Details
Hosted by Foot Traffic, Portland’s beloved local running retailer, the Holiday Half takes place each December and routinely sells out before the start of the month. The half marathon starts at 8 a.m. with a course closure at 11:30 a.m. An early start at 7:40 a.m. is available for slower runners. Group pricing is available for teams of eight or more, making it a popular team-building and holiday tradition for Portland businesses and running clubs.
Why Runners Love It
There is no better way to close a Pacific Northwest race season than with this festive celebration of winter running. Costumes are enthusiastically encouraged — think ugly sweaters, Santa suits, and holiday characters — transforming Swan Island into a moving holiday parade. The race medal and shirt designs are annually lauded as some of the best in Portland running. The Silver Cloud Inn serves as the official race hotel, just minutes from the start.
Race-Weekend Tips
Register early — the Holiday Half regularly fills by early December. Bib pick-up takes place at multiple Foot Traffic retail locations in the week before the race. Dress warmly but expect to heat up quickly once running starts. The post-race party at the Daimler campus is a highlight, so linger and enjoy the holiday atmosphere before heading home.
Wrap up your race year in style — register for the Holiday Half at Foot Traffic.

Cherry Creek Sneak
2027-12-31 08:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver) | Cherry Creek Sneak | Cherry Creek North, Denver, Cherry Creek North, 2nd Ave & Milwaukee St, Denver, CO 80206, Denver, Colorado, United States
Course Highlights
The Cherry Creek Sneak is one of Denver’s oldest and most beloved springtime running traditions, held annually the last Sunday of April in the vibrant Cherry Creek North neighborhood. Courses of five distances wind through the tree-lined streets of one of Denver’s most walkable and stylish districts, passing boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The signature 10-Mile course is the centerpiece for competitive runners, while the 5-Mile, 5K, and 1.5-Mile Sprint options welcome everyone from speedy elites to families pushing strollers. The event marks the official kick-off to Denver’s racing season.
Race Details
The 10-Mile event traditionally starts at 8:00 AM, followed by the 5-Mile and 5K at 8:30–9:00 AM. All courses start and finish in the heart of Cherry Creek North, with spectators easily able to cheer from multiple points along the route. The event features a legendary post-race party with live music and a beer garden. A Kids’ Fun Run and Diaper Dash keep the whole family entertained. Thousands of participants dress in costume for the annual costume contest, adding to the party-like atmosphere.
Why Runners Love It
The Cherry Creek Sneak has been a Denver institution since 1983, drawing over 10,000 participants each year. The combination of a manageable, flat-to-rolling urban course, festive neighborhood setting, costume culture, and the craft beer post-party makes it one of the most anticipated events on Colorado’s spring racing calendar. The 10-Mile distance is a perfect sharpener for those training for summer marathons.
Race Weekend Tips
Cherry Creek North offers limited street parking on race day — plan on public transit via the RTD or arrange a rideshare drop-off several blocks away. Costumes are celebrated and optional, but temperature-appropriate layers are smart for an early April morning that can be anywhere from 35°F to 65°F in Denver. Packet pickup is typically available the Saturday before at a Cherry Creek location, saving time on race morning.
Register
Registration typically opens in January at cherrycreeksneak.com. The event typically takes place the last Sunday of April — mark your calendar and register early before popular distances fill.

San Juan Island Half Marathon
2027-12-31 08:50 - 14:50 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Juan Island Half Marathon | Start, South Beach, San Juan Island National Historic Park, Friday Harbor, WA, 98250, United States
The San Juan Island Half Marathon is a breathtaking destination race that showcases the stunning coastal beauty and rolling hills of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic islands.
Course Highlights
The point-to-point course for the San Juan Island Half Marathon starts at South Beach inside San Juan Island National Historic Park and finishes at Jackson Beach, just south of Friday Harbor. Runners will navigate a scenic route featuring three main climbs around miles 0, 3, and 9, with a total elevation gain of approximately 900 feet. The course offers breathtaking, jaw-dropping views of neighboring islands, the Olympic Mountains, and the Salish Sea. Aid stations are well-stocked and located every 2-3 miles, though the race is cupless, requiring participants to bring their own hydration gear.
What Makes It Special
Celebrated as the most scenic course in the Orca Running series, this race offers a unique opportunity to run where the sea meets the sky. The event creates a community-focused atmosphere that supports local charities, including The Whale Museum and the Island Haven Animal Sanctuary. Its destination status makes it a perfect excuse for a weekend getaway, allowing runners and their families to explore the serene landscapes and vibrant culture of Friday Harbor. The point-to-point route ensures a diverse and engaging experience through one of the nation’s historic parks.
Race Details

Location: Friday Harbor, WA
Distances: Half Marathon, Kid’s Race
Next Race Date: TBD — visit the official site for updates

Race Weekend Tips
It is highly recommended to secure ferry reservations from Anacortes to Friday Harbor as soon as they become available, as they sell out quickly for race weekend. On race morning, participants should utilize the free shuttles from the San Juan County Courthouse, as there is no parking at the start line. Packet pickup is typically available the afternoon before the race at a local venue in Friday Harbor or on race morning at the start line. Be prepared for the cupless nature of the event by bringing a reusable bottle or hydration pack.
Register
Ready to sign up? Visit the official registration page to secure your spot. Race weekends in the Pacific Northwest are popular — registering early is recommended.

St. Patrick's Day Dash
2027-12-31 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | St. Patrick’s Day Dash | Start, Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA, 98109, United States
The St. Patrick’s Day Dash is a historic Seattle tradition and one of the Northwest’s largest themed running events, featuring a 5K race followed by a festive post-dash bash [St. Patrick’s Day Dash](https://stpatsdash.com/race-info/).
Course Highlights
The 5K course starts and finishes at Seattle Center, winding through the shadow of the Space Needle [St. Patrick’s Day Dash](https://stpatsdash.com/race-info/). Participants run through the South Lake Union neighborhood, passing the Amazon Spheres and looping through the business district [St. Patrick’s Day Dash](https://stpatsdash.com/race-info/). The route includes an out-and-back section on Aurora Ave and concludes at the International Fountain [St. Patrick’s Day Dash](https://stpatsdash.com/race-info/). It is a flat, paved road course designed for both competitive runners and casual walkers [St. Patrick’s Day Dash](https://stpatsdash.com/race-info/).
What Makes It Special
This event is a 42-year Seattle tradition that draws thousands of participants dressed in festive green attire [St. Patrick’s Day Dash](https://stpatsdash.com/race-info/). The race culminates in the Guinness Post-Dash Bash at Fisher Pavilion, featuring live music, a costume contest, and an awards ceremony [St. Patrick’s Day Dash](https://stpatsdash.com/race-info/). It is a community-focused celebration of Irish heritage and the unofficial start of spring in the Pacific Northwest [St. Patrick’s Day Dash](https://stpatsdash.com/race-info/).
Race Details

Location: Seattle, WA
Distances: 5K, 1K (Kids Leprechaun Lap)
Next Race Date: TBD — visit the official site for updates

Race Weekend Tips
Packet pickup is offered at multiple locations in the days prior, including Everett, Fremont, and South Lake Union, as well as on race morning at Seattle Center [St. Patrick’s Day Dash](https://stpatsdash.com/race-info/). Free parking is available for participants at select Amazon and South Lake Union garages [St. Patrick’s Day Dash](https://stpatsdash.com/race-info/). Gear check is available near the International Fountain on race morning [St. Patrick’s Day Dash](https://stpatsdash.com/race-info/). Given the March date, participants should prepare for cool Pacific Northwest weather and potential rain [St. Patrick’s Day Dash](https://stpatsdash.com/race-info/).
Register
Ready to sign up? Visit the official registration page to secure your spot. Race weekends in the Pacific Northwest are popular — registering early is recommended.

Pints to Pasta Portland
2027-12-31 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Pints to Pasta | Broadway Bridge to OMSI, Broadway Bridge, Portland, OR 97209 (start); OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214 (finish), Portland, Oregon, United States
Course Highlights
Pints to Pasta is one of Portland’s most beloved road races, offering a beautiful and fast point-to-point course through the heart of the city. The race starts with a dramatic crossing of the Broadway Bridge before dropping onto Naito Parkway along the west side of the Willamette River. Runners cross the Morrison Bridge and finish at OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) on the east bank. The course showcases Portland’s iconic bridges and riverfront in a single exhilarating outing.
Race Details
Originally part of the Hood to Coast Race Series, Pints to Pasta offers the 10K and half marathon distances. Free shuttle service transports runners from the finish area near OMSI to the north Portland start, making logistics seamless. The post-race party is the event’s signature attraction — complimentary pasta, salad, and bread, paired with Widmer Brothers beer and Barefoot Wine (ID required), served at the finish. Check RunSignup for confirmed future dates.
Why Runners Love It
The ‘run from beers to pasta’ concept is simple and brilliant — a satisfying morning run rewarded by a full pasta dinner and cold beer at the finish. The point-to-point route eliminates out-and-back monotony, and the bridge crossings offer spectacular elevated views of Portland’s downtown and the Willamette. It’s one of the few races where the finish-line food genuinely rivals the course itself in participant satisfaction.
Race-Weekend Tips
Use the free shuttle from OMSI to the start rather than driving to the Broadway Bridge area. The race typically takes place in the fall — check RunSignup for confirmed dates. Come hungry; the pasta and beer combo at OMSI is one of Portland running’s most celebrated traditions. Wear a layer you can tie around your waist — temperatures can vary from start to finish on fall mornings.
Run for the pasta and stay for the beer — check registration at RunSignup.
