For the first time in recent memory, runners will be able to sign up for the Vancouver Lake Half Marathon on Sunday morning prior to the start of the 13.1-mile race.
The 26th annual edition of the race begins at 10 a.m. on Reiger Road in front of Vancouver Lake Park.
Cost to run is $40. On-site registration and packet pick-up is from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., but anyone registering on Sunday should show up by 9:30 a.m. according to race director Russ Zornick. Another packet pickup opportunity is from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the park.
The field is limited to 475 runners because of parking limits at Vancouver Lake Park.
Zornick said this is the first time in his 12 years in charge that the Vancouver Lake Half Marathon has not filled up in advance of the race. He said a couple of new January half marathons in the Portland area might be a factor. The Vancouver Lake Half Marathon has long been a unique opportunity for runners to test their post-holidays fitness. The out-and-back course is flat.
The Oregon Winter Half Marathon is happening for the first time this Saturday in Aloha, Ore. Zornick also noted that there was a half marathon staged on Jan. 2 by the Oregon Road Runners Club in Forest Grove, Ore.
In recent years, the 13.1-mile distance has gained popularity, leading to increased opportunities to run half marathons, Zornick said.
The Vancouver Lake Half Marathon is the major annual race staged by the Clark County Running Club. The race is the main source of funds for the club’s scholarship program that supports local runners attending college.
To learn more, visit clarkcountyrunningclub.org.
• Results from Clark County Running Club runs held Saturday on the Salmon Creek Trail are in the Community Sports Scoreboard.
Battle Ground Youth Rugby plans informational event
Battle Ground Youth Rugby will hold an information event for new and returning players from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25 in the gym at Laurin Middle School.
In 2016, Battle Ground Youth Rugby will field coed teams for players in grades 3-4 and 5-6. These teams play a non-contact touch rugby.
Separate seventh-grade and eighth-grade boys teams and a girls team for grades 7-8 will be forming to play tackle rugby.
To learn more about Battle Ground Youth Rugby and this clinic, contact Brad Batton at batten.bradford@gmail.com or 360-771-4708 or contact Lance Henwood at lance@althamhenwood.com or 913-515-4619.
The rugby season is in the spring. To learn more about the sport, including high school rugby programs in Southwest Washington, visit www.RugbyOregon.com.
Girls lacrosse clinic Saturday at Harmony Sports Complex
A free lacrosse clinic for girls in Clark County interested in trying the sport will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Harmony Sports Complex.
The Clark County Youth Lacrosse clinic is for girls in grades 1-12. It takes place on artificial turf field No. 9.
Equipment will be provided. To learn more, visit www.ccylax.org.
Run on PDX runway in September
Registration is open for a Sept. 24 opportunity to run or walk 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) on the north runway at Portland International Airport.
The event is limited to 2,500 participants 12 and older.
Part of the Port of Portland’s 125th anniversary celebration, the port is partnering with the Hood to Coast Race Series to stage the unique opportunity. Cost is $30 through Feb. 29, with price increases as the event nears. Proceeds benefit The Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland.
For registration and other information, visit htcraceseries.com and click the Partner Events link.
Community Sports News is published each Tuesday. Submit items by sending email to paul.danzer@columbian.com or by calling 360-735-4521.
