Race into Summer on the Long Beach Peninsula

Apr 4, 2019 | Summer, Events, Outdoors, Recreation

Pack your athletic gear for the beach and come play outside on the Long Beach Peninsula during one of our annual races! Bring your family and make it a beach weekend. With gorgeous trails and 28 miles of beach, there are endless opportunities for a fun and active getaway.

Cape D Sprint Triathlon: May 18

Don’t let the distance fool you – this short race offers a big challenge: Swim Black Lake, bike the Peninsula, and run for the finish line back in Ilwaco. A portion of the race winds through Cape Disappointment State Park. Proceeds support Peninsula Poverty Response. The award ceremony and after party will be held at Salt Hotel & Pub at the Port of Ilwaco. Register here.

Beach to Chowder 5/10k: June 8

The Beach to Chowder 5/10k walk and run returns to the peninsula June 16. This annual beach walk/run on hard-packed sand is perfect for athletes of all ages. It starts and finishes on the Bolstad Beach Approach in Long Beach. Participants receive a complimentary cup of clam chowder after the race. Dogs on leashes are welcome to tag along. Register here.

Firecracker 5k: July 6

The sixth annual Firecracker 5k takes participants from the Port of Ilwaco, into downtown Ilwaco, and onto the Discovery Trail before doubling back to the port. Proceeds help fund the city’s Fourth of July community event at the Portof Ilwaco. Register here.

Race Against Domestic Violence: Aug. 3

This 5k run is hosted by the Crisis Support Network to raise awareness of domestic violence and to provide support to survivors and victims of domestic violence. Registration is just $15 without a t-shirt and $30 with a t-shirt. Learn more about when to register here.

Great Columbia Crossing 10k: Oct. 13

Join thousands of intrepid athletes during this fall race from Dismal Nitch in Washington to Astoria, Ore., across the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Challenging, beautiful, fun – this race has it all.

Discovery Trail

Wait, you’re not going to be in Pacific County during any of the above races? No problem – pack your running shoes or bicycle anyway. With 28 miles of silver-sand beach and the 8.5-mile paved Discovery Trail between Ilwaco and Long Beach, you can always find a fabulous run on the Peninsula. Trail runners will love Black Lake in Ilwaco, while hill runners might want to tackle Radar Ridge in Naselle. And did we mention the beach?

Willapa Hills Trail

Washington State Parks just completed an additional 4 miles for the Willapa Hills State Park Trail, making 26 miles of continuous trail between Chehalis and Pacific County. This trail is fully developed for hiking, cycling, and even equestrian use. This long distance trail follows the route of a historic railway as it winds through the Willapa Hills and crosses restored bridges. The 5 miles between South Bend and Raymond run along the Willapa River, perfect for a shorter excursion.

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