If you run anything from a 5:59 minute/mile to a 13:23 minute/mile, then you’ll be right at home with the pack of runners signed up to participate in this year’s Lake Run, on May 6, hosted by Northwest Housing Alternatives.

That 5:59 minute miler came in first last year in just 37 minutes and 11 seconds and the last person to cross the finish line did it in 1 hour, 23 minutes, and 7 seconds.

So, as you can see, it takes all kinds to make the Lake Run a success and this year, they’re asking you to not just participate but donate too. A food drive, running concurrently, will benefit seniors and families living at Northwest Housing Alternative’s affordable housing properties. Many of the residents served by NHA are experiencing foot insecurity due to rising inflation and reductions to food programs, making the food drive even more important this year. Donations can be dropped off the day of the race or at both Lake Oswego New Seasons stores, 3 Monroe Parkway and 1377 McVey or Albertson’s at 16199 Boones Ferry Road between April 23 and May 7.

If you plan on participating, here are some things you should know:

The race offers three events: a 10K starting at 8:00 a.m., a 5K starting at 8:15 a.m. and a Kids’ Dash for ages 3 and up taking off at 10:00 a.m.

Registration is online and is $55 for the 10K, $50 for the 5K and $15 for the Kids’ Dash and includes a t-shirt this year.

All participation is in-person this year – there is not a virtual option.

To prep for the 10K, you might want to practice some hill runs, with the highest elevation coming on South Shore at the 2.9 km mark and preceded by a 17% grade as you start up the McVey climb.

Luckily, there are lots of distractions along the course, beginning with the gorgeous scenery as you wind your way around Oswego Lake, the volunteers and neighbors who come out to cheer you on and the pit stops along the way.

Last year over 1,000 people participated in the event, raising $70,000 for NHA. This year’s goal is $75,000.

Enjoy the family-friendly festivities afterwards at Millennium Plaza Park featuring face painting, kids’ games, llamas, a plant sale and food carts.

Read some of my previous blogs on the Lake Run to find out what all the fuss is about.

And subscribe to my blog to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column.