Oxbow Trail Races

The Oxbow Trail Run is a family fun event in the scenic Oxbow Regional Park, Metro, just outside Gresham on the Sandy River, about 30 minutes from downtown Portland.

UPDATE: Metro has approved the Oxbow Trail Runs for September 26th.  Registration will open the 6/10/2021 and is be capped at 100 total runners.  Rollovers from 2020 Trillium Blooms and Oxbow Trail Runs will be eligible to use credit for the 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon races.

Float or float? Spend the day at Oxbow

Originally we thought of floating a popular section of the Sandy River Water Trail 3.5 miles downriver to Dabney State Park after the run. However, no insurance company would allow it. So instead, each finisher gets a root beer float!

The Alder Picnic Area is reserved for participants and their guests for the whole day.   ETA will be serving complimentary sandwiches for participants to enjoy after the race.

There are two barbeques, so bring charcoal and food to throw on the grill. In addition, there are horseshoe pits and play structures, plus a trail down to the beach on the Sandy River.  Please note we may have to limit guests and spectators depending on Oregon's vaccination rate and the COVID-19 state restrictions.

Shuttle with a friend and float the river in a tube, boat, or kayak.  Follow the safety guidelines of the Sandy River Trail Guide.  Each river user's responsibility is to be safe as neither Northwest Dirt Churners nor Oregon Metro is part of the river float.

Reserve a camping spot and stay for the weekend. (COVID-19 protocols may restrict camping)

Courses
The 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon start and finish at the Alder Picnic Area in the center of the park next to the Sandy River. All races are cupless. The Half and 10k will have a water-only station for refills of handhelds, etc. at the four-mile (& 11-mile turnaround point.

5K– The 5k is fairly flat and a great way for new runners to get acclimated to running trails. The start of the run provides stunning views of the oxbow bend of the Sandy River and the foothills surrounding it. After a couple of miles, the course heads toward Elk Meadow and the Ancient Forest, a section of 700-year-old majestic trees in an old-growth forest.

10k- The 10k follows the 5k route for the first 2.3 miles, 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 and the Ancient Forest to the finish.
The Half Marathon will do the 10k loop twice with a short out and back in the Ancient Forest on the first lap.

Race Day
Race Day Details
Oxbow Regional Park, Metro opens at 6:30 am. Remember it is $5 per car to park.

Parking is at Alder Picnic Area until full. There are other parking areas throughout the park.

Check-in from 8-8:45 am. Participants are required to wear masks unless running. 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.

The Half Marathon will start at 9:00, the 10k will start at 9:20 am, and the 5k will start at 9:40 am from Alder Picnic Area. We may have staggered starting, depending on COVID safety measures. We’ll have a pre-race meeting five minutes before the start.

The finish is also at Alder Picnic Area. Finishers will be given a post-race meal and a cup and utensils for root beer floats. Guests can buy meals ($10) and root beer floats ($5.)

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.

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.