Avid runners and walkers often reach a point where they want to do and see more.
For some, the next step might be a local race. Others set their sights on a major marathon.
With its extremes in elevation, lonely roads and scenic views, the Northwest offers plenty of terrain for runs of all kinds. Here’s a look at a few runs coming up in 2018, starting with Saturday’s Run for the Hill of It featuring Lewiston’s Old Spiral Highway.
Run for the Hill of It Saturday, May 19 This 7-mile race up Lewiston’s Old Spiral Highway challenges runners with a 2,000-foot change in elevation. They also get to know the highway’s 64 curves very well. This year’s race starts at the base of the highway at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 19. Chip timing will be available. While some choose to race, walkers are welcome too, said Lynne Beck of Clarkston, a member of Seaport Striders which organizes the race as one of the group’s annual events. (seaportstriders.com)
Coeur d’Alene Marathon May 27
Idaho's Coeur d’Alene Marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. It begins and ends in McEuen Park downtown, but participants spend most of the race running beside Lake Coeur d’Alene. The event marked its 40th year in 2017. (cdamarathon.com)
Moscow Mountain Madness Sept. 9 Runners can choose between 50k, 13.1-mile or 5-mile courses along the scenic spine of Idaho's Moscow Mountain in this race. Courses are rugged, technically challenging and mostly single-track, except for some logging roads. (palouseroadrunners.org)
Columbia Gorge Half Marathon and Marathon Oct. 21
Billing itself “the most scenic marathon in the country,” this race begins in Hood River, Oregon on the Columbia River Highway and passes by waterfalls and through leafy forests dressed in full fall colors. (columbiagorgemarathon.com)
