Get ready to run: Summer races abound in Clark County

Clark County must be filled with runners, walkers and competitively compelled people, because we sure have a lot of running events this summer. Prepare your racing bib or running tutu, practice your stretches and finish-line dances, and get ready to run for a cause, fulfill a bucket list or just have a good time.

Running for a cause

Most of the races on this list give part of their proceeds to nonprofit organizations, but these races really make giving back the true goal of reaching the finish line.

• Saturday: Run to Remember. This race honors members of the military and its veterans during Memorial Day Weekend. Proceeds will benefit Battle Buddies, a nonprofit group that provides service dogs for veterans.

Route: The 5K and 10K race start and end at Reflection Plaza, 2 Pendleton Way in downtown Washougal, with participants heading to the scenic dike trail along the Columbia River. The Memorial Day Mile run will also test how fast runners can complete a mile.

When: 9 a.m. for the Memorial Day Mile, 10 a.m. for the 5K and 10K races, Saturday. Race-day registration is allowed.

Cost: $40 to $50, $25 to $30 for ages 16 and younger for the 5K or Memorial Day Mile; $50 to $60, $30 to $35 for ages 16 and younger for the 10K.

Information: 360-574-7292 or http://whyracingevents.com/event/882

• Monday: Race to Remember Memorial Day Race. Local military nonprofit group Race to Remember will honor the men and women in the armed forces with this race.

Route: It features 5K and 10K courses and a Honor One Mile family walk, all starting from the Vancouver “Remembrance Wall” at Columbia Street and Phil Arnold Way. The routes then head out along the Columbia River waterfront.

When: 3 p.m. Race-day registration opens at 1:30 p.m.

Cost: Registration is donation based and starts at a $10 minimum.

Information: 503-806-7145 or www.racetoremember.com

• June 4: Hike on the Dike. Walkers, runners and canines can take part in this event, with proceeds benefiting the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society.

Route: Featuring 5K and 10K walk-runs, with a leisurely 2.77-mile hike along the Columbia River, starting and ending from the Pendleton Woolen Mills, 2 Pendleton Way, Washougal. There will also be pet-themed activities and vendors.

When: 10:30 a.m. June 4. Race-day registration opens at 10 a.m.

Cost: $25.

Information: http://wcghs.org/events/2016-hike-on-the-dike-june-4th

• June 4: Race for the Kids. This fundraising race benefits the community mentoring program Teach One to Lead One in the county’s public schools.

Route: The 5K and 10K courses start and end at Esther Short Park, Columbia and West Eighth streets, with the 5K turning around along the Columbia River waterfront and the 10K completing a loop through Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

When: 9 a.m. June 4. Race-day registration opens at 7:30 a.m.

Cost: $25, free for ages 18 and younger.

Information: http://clarkwa.t1l1.org/raceforthekids

• June 11: Run Like a Girl for Second Step Housing. Open to all, this race incorporates costumes, ice cream and family activities. Proceeds benefit Second Step Housing, which helps combat homelessness in Clark County.

Route: The 5K and 10K courses start and end near Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. Fifth St., in Vancouver, and head over the land bridge to the Columbia River waterfront. Kids runs are available for different age groups, and there will be a costume contest.

When: 10 a.m. June 11. Race-day registration opens at 8:30 a.m.

Cost: $35 to $45, free for kids run.

Information: www.secondstephousing.org

• June 25, July 9, Aug. 20: Relay for Life. The three Relay for Life events raise money for the American Cancer Society through a 24-hour fundraising walk. A Survivors Lap and Luminaria Ceremony recognize those who have been affected by cancer.

Route: Team members walk around a high school track for as many laps as possible. The event includes games, festivities and activities.

When:

— 10 a.m. June 25: Washougal High School, 1201 39th St., Washougal.

— 10 a.m. July 9: Columbia River High School, 800 N.W. 99th St., Vancouver.

— 10 a.m. Aug. 20: Battle Ground High School, 400 W. Main St., Battle Ground.

Information: 360-721-1144 or http://relay.acsevents.org

• Aug. 6: Race for the Homeless. The race, hosted by New Heights Church, benefits Open House Ministries, which aims to help local homeless families.

Route: 5K and 10K runs, plus a 5K walk and kids fun run start and end at the O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, and run through the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and to the Columbia River. There will also be a festival at the finish line for participants and spectators alike.

When: 8 to 9:15 a.m. Aug. 6. Race-day registration opens at 7 a.m.

Cost: $15 to $20, free for the kids fun run.

Information: 360-314-3342 or http://newheights.org/race-for-the-homeless

• Sept. 24: Walk for the Poor. Two events will occur simultaneously in downtown Vancouver and in Battle Ground. They benefit the local societies of St. Vincent de Paul Conferences and Councils through the national Friends of the Poor program.

Route: A 5K walk-run begins and ends at the Proto Cathedral of St. James the Greater, 218 W. 12th St., Vancouver. For those in north county, the 5K will start and end at Sacred Heart Parish, 1603 N. Parkway Ave., Battle Ground.

When: 10 a.m. Sept. 24. Race-day registration opens at 9 a.m.

Cost: Donations encouraged.

Information: 360-694-5388 or 360-600-0553, www.svdpusa.net/fop

Bucket list races

These are the races that are not just races but often goals its participants have been working toward.

• June 19: Vancouver USA Marathon. Featuring routes for both walkers and runners, and distances including a full marathon, half-marathon and 5K, this event offers a chance to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Enrollment is capped at 5,000 participants. The event includes access to the weekendlong fitness expo and brewfest.

Route: Races start and end in Esther Short Park, Columbia West and Eighth streets. The marathon heads northwest to Frenchman’s Bar Park before looping back through downtown through the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and Columbia River waterfront. The half marathon stays in downtown and along the waterfront, while the Freedom 5K offers a preview of the Fort Vancouver route.

When: Freedom 5K: 10 a.m. June 18. Other races: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 19.

Cost: $115 to $135 for full marathon, $95 to $110 for half, $50 to $60 for 5K.

Information: http://vancouverusamarathon.com

• Aug. 6: The Spartan Sprint. This obstacle course pits its participants against mud, hills and barbed wire on the Washougal MX Park track, 40205 N.E. Borin Road in Washougal.

Route: Waves of more than 250 racers will be released every 15 minutes onto the 3- to 5-mile course. There are also half-mile and 1-mile kids races featuring obstacles inspired by the adult course.

When: 7:30 a.m. Aug. 6.

Cost: $104 to $129 for competitive level, $89 to $109 for open level, $28 for kids race, $20 for spectators.

Information: www.spartan.com/en/race/detail/1185/overview

• Aug. 19-21: Columbia River Triathlon Festival. This festival offers three days of running, swimming and cycling events, including a Kids Triathlon, All Women’s Triathlon, AquaBike events and Olympic duathlons.

Route: Events start and end at Frenchmans Bar Park, 9612 N.W. Lower River Road, Vancouver, and offer views of Vancouver Lake, Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. Adult triathlons and duathlons can also be done as a relay, with two- or three-person teams.

When: 6 p.m. Aug. 19 for Kids Triathlon; 9 a.m. Aug. 20 for Girlfriends All Women’s Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon, AquaBike, 10K and 5K; 8 a.m. Aug. 21 for Sprint Triathlon and Duathlons, 8:30 a.m. Aug. 21 for Olympic Triathlon.

Cost: $95 to $110 for triathalons, $55 to $70 per person for relay teams, $45 to $60 for Girlfriends 10K, $35 to $50 for Girlfriends 5K, $30 for ages 10 and younger, $45 to $55 for ages 11 to 16.

Information: 360-574-7292 or whyracingevents.com

Festively themed

All of these races are inspired by an idea or theme, from Fourth of July flair to running through wineries.

• June 25: Bigfoot Fun Run. Yacolt invites racers to meet Bigfoot, with an added category for ages 6 to 12.

Route: 5K and 10K routes begin from Yacolt Town Hall, 202 W. Cushman St., Yacolt, before heading out and back on north county roads. Trophies will be awarded to first-place male and female finishers.

When: 9 a.m. June 25. Race-day registration opens at 8 a.m.

Cost: $30 to $35.

Information: 360-686-3922 or https://sites.google.com/site/bigfootfunrun

• July 4: Ridgefield’s Independence Run. The end of this event coincides with the hometown parade, part of Ridgefield’s Fourth of July festivities.

Route: This is out-and-back race along the rural roads, starting and ending in downtown Ridgefield, North Main Avenue and Simons Street. The event features 5K and 10K courses and a kids dash.

When: 7:50 a.m. July 4. Race-day registration opens at 7 a.m.

Cost: $30 to $45 for the 10K, $20 to $35 for the 5K.

Information: 360-904-3478 or www.runridgefield.com/july4th.html

• July 9: Twilight Half Marathon. This race, which benefits the Children’s Cancer Association, starts at dusk to take advantage of cooler evening conditions. The after-party will feature music, burritos and beer.

Route: The half-marathon, 10K and 5K races will begin and end at Vancouver Lake Park, 6801 N.W. Lower River Road, Vancouver, while hitting Frenchman’s Bar Park in between.

When: Race-day registration opens at 4 p.m. Festivities are from 4 to 10:30 p.m. July 9.

Cost: $79 to $89 for half, $59 to $69 for 10K, $49 to $59 for 5K.

Information: 503-459-4508 or www.twilighthalf.com

• July 9 :Lyle’s Myles 5K Run-Walk. The annual race started as a way for local denizen Lyle Smith to finish first, as anyone who crossed the finish line before him is disqualified. Proceeds are given to Global Partners for Development, Martha’s Pantry and Cascade AIDS Project.

Route: The 5K starts and ends in Esther Short Park, Columbia and West Eighth streets. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, and create gimmicks and teams. Trophies are given to the fastest disqualified in each age group. The race kicks off Vancouver Pride Saturdays in the Park activities.

When: Race-day registration opens at 8:30 a.m. Festivities are from 9:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. July 9.

Cost: $10 to $12.

Information: www.lylesmyles.com

• July 30: Aloha 5K Fun Run. Part of the Three Days of Aloha Hawaiian Festival, this fun run-walk highlights health and exercise.

Route: The 5K begins and ends at the Esther Short Park gazebo, Esther and West Sixth streets, before heading along the Columbia River waterfront trail. The run coincides with the start of the Ho’ike and Hawaiian Festival, featuring singers, activities and hundreds of hula dancers.

When: 8 to 10 a.m. July 30. Race-day registration opens at 7 a.m.

Cost: $30, free for ages 12 and younger.

Information: http://hawaiianfestivalpnw.com/#run

• Aug. 13: Cosmo 7K All Ladies Run. This happy-hour race features vodka cosmos at the finish line. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Pink Lemonade Project, which supports those affected by breast cancer.

Route: Participants 21 and older can take on the lucky 7K, or 4.35-mile, run starting from Vancouver Landing Amphitheater, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver, heading through downtown Vancouver and along the Columbia River waterfront.

When: 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13. Race-day registration opens at 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $50 until May 30, $60 to $80, for 21 and older.

Information: http://energyevents.com/cosmo7k

• Aug. 27: Panda Burro Invitational. Inspired by the nicknames of two runners, this family-friendly event will feature gunny-sack races, piñatas, cupcakes and breakfast burritos.

Route: Open to walkers and runners, the out-and-back 5K and 10K courses take place along the Salmon Creek Regional Park greenway, 1112 N.E. 117th St., Vancouver. There will also be a kids dash and awards for the top finishers.

When: 8 a.m. Aug. 27. Race-day registration opens at 7 a.m.

Cost: $45 for 5K, $55 for 10k, free for kids dash.

Information: www.doubledogdareuevents.com/panda-burro-invitational.html

• Sept. 24: North County Wine Run. Set in the rural north county, the event offers a half-marathon and a three-person half-marathon relay. The after-party will feature wine from participating wineries.

Route: Rusty Grape Vineyard, 16712 N.E. 219th St., Battle Ground, is the start and finish line. The half-marathon travels through the countryside, passing through Olequa Cellars and Heisen House Vineyards. Relay exchanges will take place at the wineries. Costumes and team themes are encouraged.

When: 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 24.

Cost: $75 through June 1, $85 to $90 for the half, $156 through June 1, $171 to $180 for relay teams.

Information: www.ncwinerun.com

• Oct. 1: 15K Superhero Relay. This new event in Washougal will help kick off the Oktoberfest.

Route: Teams of three will take on 5K sections of the 15K relay starting from the Reflection Plaza, 2 Pendleton Way, Washougal.

When: 10 a.m. Oct. 1.

Cost: $112.50 through May 31, $120 to $141 for teams.

Information: www.superherorelay.com