Champoeg Half Marathon-September 22, 2013: Why I am excited about this race

I have been researching fall runs just for the heck of it and because I thought it might be fun to get a bit of a plan. On my list are the Champoeg Half Marathon, September 22nd and the Portland Marathon, October 6th. I researched the Portland Marathon first and was taken aback by how expensive it is ($145!!). Then I moved on to the Champoeg Half Marathon and was pleasantly surprised! Here's why:

Scenery: This park is beautiful. We've camped there numerous times and it is really one of our favorites.Unfortunately I really couldn't find any pictures online that did it justice, especially in the fall. Here were a few I found:

 
Location/Convenience: Speaking of camping, you can settle yourself right inside the park and you are just steps from the race start! Champoeg even has cute little cabins you can rent. You can't beat that! 

Price: 

Half Marathon

• Early Bird Registration $45 (Thru 3/31/13)
• Registration $55 (4/1/12 ~ 7/31/13)
• Late Registration $65 (8/1/12 ~ 9/16/13)
• Race Day/Packet Pickup $70 (After 5pm on 9/16/13)

That's crazy cheap! And for that price you still get a shirt, medal and a free beer. (I did not see that there was a bag of goodies included.)

 "After the run/walk, stay and relax! The state park has picnic tables, trees and an open field. DJ Paradox will be providing music while you enjoy your BBQ and cold beer". I think they they are referring to each family's own private BBQ/lunch time here, but at least you get live music. Seriously, for the price that's still awesome!

Family Fun: There is a kid's 1K "Dirt Dash" and a 5-Miler for members of the family who don't want to run the marathon. The kids' races include a medal, a t-shirt and a goodie bag! These races are super cheap too:

5 Miler

• Early Bird Registration $25 (Thru 3/31/13)
• Registration $30 (4/1/12 ~ 7/31/13)
• Late Registration $35 (8/1/12 ~ 9/16/13)
• Race Day/Packet Pickup $40 (After 5pm on 9/16/13)

***SPECIAL PROGRAM

If you’re under 18, its only $18!
8 – 18 years old

This is a perfect way to keep your teenagers in the running/walking sport without going broke. We are excited to offer a program for ages 8 – 18 yrs old too keep running 5K’s, & 10K’s without breaking Mom & Dads pocket book. This is valid on our online registration system and good for all 5 to 10k Energy Events ~ Thanks again, and we support kids, youths and adult running!

Kids "Dirt" Dash:
Ages 3-6 years old - $5
Ages 7-12 years old - $7
Race Day all races will be $10 – please register early!

How great are those prices/race options?!?

Family Support: Champoeg offers something that in my opinion is a running mother's dream: Childcare during the half marathon race!! Have you ever heard of that? I certainly haven't! 

Kid's Zone

Professional Child Care while you run!

Cost:	$10 per child :: ($5 per additional; 4 max)
Rules:	Potty trained :: ages 3 to 10 :: only for participants

Your child will be in a secure area for the time period of the race. Wrist Band check-in system, with activities, games, a bouncy house, and more. Along with paid staff/volunteers to watch your kiddos while you participate in the event.

You'd better believe that I am pricing out this weekend and making a decision fast! This race is capped at 8,000 participants and the kids' races are capped at 250 so get in early! 

(Credits:  Energy Events: Champoeg Half Marathon  & 5-Miler. Retrieved from http://energyevents.com/champoeghalf)