Get Up! Get Active! 4 Energizing Events to Warm Up Your Weekend
Winter weather has arrived early in Portland this year, but that shouldn’t stop you from having an awesomely active weekend full of fantastic fitness and fun.
This Saturday and Sunday are host to a variety of activities all around the Portland area. Whether you’re ready for a bold and cold bike ride, a ridiculous and rambunctious race, or ceremonious and challenging competition, take a look at these featured festivities to find the perfect place to while away your weekend.
Coffee and Donuts Ride
When: Saturday, 9:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Irvington Park (NE PDX)
Portland By Cycle is a series of biking classes and rides put on by the City of Portland that began this year in April. November marks the end of these entertaining and educational events, with only two remaining rides this year. This Saturday, Portlanders can plan to pedal through parks and across pavement on the free 15-mile Coffee and Donuts Ride. This trip takes aim at beginning bicyclists and those interested in an introduction to the city, and it will follow a captivating course at an easy pace. Participants are encouraged to bring their own cups for coffee along with cash for snacks. Helmets are required for the joyous journey, which will begin and end at Irvington Park in Northeast Portland on Fremont Street.
Kevin’s Cup
When: Saturday, 10 a.m.
Where: Mary S. Young Park (West Linn)
This annual off-road race is in its 23rd year, making it one of Portland’s top timeless and treasured competitions. Kevin’s Cup is a distinctive and difficult 8K trail race that promises runners a grueling grade-A action-packed adventure. The course is full of changes and challenges, and participants can plan on powering through mud, water, hills and switchbacks throughout the trek. The theme for 2014 is “Year of the Nerd”, and costumes are admired, awarded and encouraged. Registration is still open online for $30 as well as on the day of the event beginning at 8:30 a.m. A pizza party and awards ceremony will immediately follow this epic endurance event.
Mustache Dache
When: Saturday, 10 a.m.
Where: Big Al’s (Beaverton)
The Mustache Dache is a national series of mustache-themed running events that take place during the month of “Movember.” Portland’s comical contest is set for this Saturday, promising to be a fun and funny fitness festivity full of mostly-fake facial hair. The event includes a 5K race as well as a half-mile Kids’ Dache. Registration is available online as well as at the event beginning at 8:30 a.m. and costs $45 for the Mustache Dache and $20 for the Kids’ Dache. Proceeds go to the Movember Foundation, a men’s health organization that fights prostate and testicular cancer. Following the run, participants can join in for a mustache contest, a costume contest, post-race prizes and an awesome awards ceremony.
National Veteran’s Day Run
When: Sunday, 4 p.m.
Where: Mt. Tabor Park (SE PDX)
Portland’s second annual National Veteran’s Day Run is a heartfelt race that honors U.S. veterans past and present. The event benefits the national organization Operation Gratitude, which provides support to veterans and active-duty military members. Participants can choose between a 5K route and a one-mile family walk/run through the majestic Mt. Tabor Park area. Races are slated to begin at 4:11 p.m. on Sunday after a 4 o-clock welcoming ceremony. Registration costs for the 5K event are $30 (pre-race day)/$40 (race day) for adults, $11/$20 for veterans and $25/$40 for children ages 13–18 and military spouses. Children 12 and under are free of charge for both distances. Registration for the family walk/run is $25/30 for adults, $11/$20 for veterans and $20/$20 for children ages 13–18 and military spouses. Day-of sign-up begins at 3 p.m. After the contest’s conclusion at 5, runners and supporters will gather for a post-race awards ceremony and veterans celebration.
