Most runners who have participated in the Lake Oswego Women’s Club annual Lake Run admit to a love/hate relationship with the event, myself included.

“No matter how hard you train, you’re never quite prepared for it,” explains Kelsey Richards, who won the women’s 10K division last year. “You can’t not train for it,” she adds.

In its 12k version, the Lake Run was a favorite among competitive runners for the challenge the course with its hills presented. For safety and logistical reasons, this year’s race set for Saturday, May 10, is a 10K that wraps around the lake like before, but without passing through some of the neighborhoods.

Here’s why it’s still a run you’ll love to hate.

McVey Hill—Although MapMyRun includes this climb in its “least difficult” category as  a #5, I beg to differ. Maybe it’s because it hits you right out of the starting gate at half a mile in the course, that the climb from 119 foot elevation to 310 leaves you feeling like you’re done rather than just warming up.

You’re Not Done Yet—Sure, you reach the top of McVey and feel like, “Whew! I’m glad that’s over,” but you’re not done yet. The highest elevation of the run at 455 feet still awaits you a little further up South Shore Boulevard so be sure to leave some fuel in your tank. Not to mention the “nuisance climbs” like the rise from the Oswego Hunt Club to the turn on Berwick. “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”

Distractions—I’ve run in a variety of locations like San Francisco, Rome, Palm Springs, and Fresno, California. One thing that helps when going the distance is to have sufficient distractions along the way (word to the wise—Fresno doesn’t really have any). The scenic beauty of this course is guaranteed to take your mind off any aches and pains that might crop up along the way.

Support—The Lake Oswego Women’s Club has volunteers strategically located along the course to keep your spirits up and keep you hydrated. And Lake Oswegans come out to cheer you on too.

It’s For a Good Cause—Proceeds from the Lake Run benefit local charities, community events and provide college scholarships to high school students. All your hard work pays off…not just for you but for the community!

The Lake Run also features a 5K that has its own lake view with a course that winds around Lakewood Bay and on to Iron Mountain Boulevard before heading to the finish line.

And for the kiddies in your group, there is a two block Kids’ Dash that gives them the thrill of running through the finish line.

Race times and registration fees for each event are:

10K – 8:00 a.m. $40 online; $45 at packet pick-up

5K – 8:15 a.m. $30 online; $35 at packet pick-up

Kids Dash – 10:30 a.m. $15 online and packet pick-up.

Tee shirts are not guaranteed for registrations after April 1. While extras will be ordered, it will be on a first come, first served basis, once early registrants’ orders have been filled. Register here.

After the run, be sure to catch the Lake Oswego Art Council’s Plein Air event giving you an opportunity to watch artists at work in these outdoor locations: Luscher Farm, Sundeleaf Plaza, Foothills and Roehr Park, Millennium Plaza Park, George Rogers Park, Lakeview Village and the Uplands Easement on Oswego Lake. 503.675.3738 for details. Event runs Saturdays and Sundays both this weekend and next.

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