First I have to admit that I love running in Oregon so my reviews from this state usually come with a bit of bias. But even with the favoritism I still loved this run this year and will probably make a point of returning every year.
The 4th of July run in Ashland was my first timed and organized race last year (and in all my running). This year it was just a really fun run I was looking forward to all year. Very well organized and inexpensive, it is a great way to start off the July 4th holiday. The race starts at 7:45 am on main street right in front of the Ashland Library. No fancy timing chips or blow up arches here, this is a small town run that is full of charm instead of high tech.
After the gun sounds, we ran down Main Street past the beautiful city center and then a sharp right turn down Oak Street and from there you just keep running down hill. When you finally get to the bottom, you join up with the Bear Creek Greenway and run along some beautiful homes and farms. The Bear Creek runs all along this part of your run and it is all green and beautiful and well, just a bit like heaven.
Somewhere around mile 4 of this 6 mile run, you start getting back into the little town of Ashland and you start climbing again. From the stories I have heard, there were a lot more hills in past runs but they have been done away with in favor of this scenic and a bit less scary run. I like it the way it is now.
As you get to mile 5 you see what you think is the final turn towards the finish line. But wait ... you turn right instead of left and then left again. Sneaky little adjustment or maybe just mean? Neither really it just sets you up for an amazing run down the entirety of main street with the streets lined with people getting ready for the 4th of July Parade. It is actually really cool and the folks on the sidewalks actually make noise and offer encouragement to all the runners as they pass bye.
One of my favorite things about this race is the tremendous spirit of fun that organizer John Cornet has. He will be the one waiting for you on Main Street telling you to "kick it up a notch" or "you are not going to let him/her beat you!" He is one of those people you would just love to sit down over a pizza and chat with for a couple of hours. Or maybe he is the guy you want to be your coach. Either way he is priceless. This run would not be as great without him.
When you finish you come down thru chutes made from the hurdles they use at the local high school and some red, white and blue flags. Then you get a great a ribbon (this years was blue) and a t-shirt. You will also feel like a million bucks and a sense of zen because there is an amazing spirit that dwells here in Ashland. It is like the weight of the World has never stopped here. There is a sweet calm here.
If you get a chance why not meet me here next year on the 4th of July and we can share 6 miles in Heaven.
Here is my run as recorded on Runkeeper ... Ashland 4th of July 10K
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