2013 Heart of the Valley in Corvallis, OR April 21 Kicks the Season into High Gear
April 11, 2013April 21, 2013 – Osborn Aquatic Center, Corvallis, OR
Sprint Triathlon, Sprint Duathlon, Kids Tri-IT & Iron Kids
The Heart of the Valley is a Triathlon and Duathlon season opener, and a great event for the whole family with a kids Triathlon which includes two distances to choose from. The HOTV Tri/Du is a benefit for the City of Corvallis Osborn Aquatic Center, one of the best finest pool facilities in the NW, offering a 50 meter heated inside pool where the adult swim takes place. The kids race will be held in the 25 meter heated outdoor pool. The adult races are both TRI NW Ranked events, and this event is part of the AA Sports Multi-Sports Summer Series. By participating in Heart of the Valley Tri/Du, you will automatically be entered into the drawing to win The Muscle Milk® Race to Kona contest, see more information below for more details regarding Muscle Milk® Race to Kona.
Muscle Milk® will be spreading the Muscle Milk® love by providing protein recovery beverages. The after party will feature Live Entertainment and Deschutes Brewery beer will be on tap! We’ll be serving some tasty snacks as well, including our signature strawberry shortcake. Franz Bakery will be on-site to sample products from their delicious array of baked goods. Packet Pickup will be held at the brand new Corvallis Sports Authority store at 944 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis, OR, on Saturday, April 20th from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Sports Authority will be offering a 15% discount to race participants on any purchases made on 4/20 and 4/21. Participants will receive their coupon for this offer in the Pre-Race Athlete Briefing to be emailed next week to all registered participants
Join us, and help kick the multi-sport season into high gear!
Portland’s Spring Classic Duathlon Ushers in 2013 Multi-Sport Event Season
March 27, 2013From Press Release -
The 29th Annual Spring Classic Duathlon is the official kickoff to the AA Sports Multi-Sport Summer Series, and is one of the largest duathlons in the United States. Spring Classic attracts top talent from across the Northwest for an early season test of fitness. The flat and fast 5K run, 15mi bike, 5k run course takes place on Marine Drive and is closed to all but local traffic on race day, and is ideal for both novice and seasoned athletes.
For those participants with their sights set on June’s Blue Lake Triathlon, this event is definitely one you don’t want to miss. The Spring Classic Duathlon will encompass a portion of the Blue Lake Triathlon bike course, making it the perfect tune-up for one of the region’s largest triathlons.
Entry is open to both solo and team/relay competition. Current entry fees are $65 for solo participants and $35 for relay members (per person) through Thursday, March 28th, and will increase by $5 for Friday Packet Pickup at Athletes Lounge, and day-of-race registration at the race site.
Packet Pickup is being held on Friday, March 29th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Athletes Lounge, 2671 NW Vaughn Street, Portland, OR 97210 (click here for map) Phone: 503-477-5906. Race Day Packet Pickup and Registration will also take place at the race site from 8:00 am until 9:30 am.
For more information, or to register for this Northwest classic race, visit:aasportsltd.com/springclassic.
Opportunity Knocks for Those in Search of Mountain Biking Adventures in the Northwest in the Months Ahead
March 18, 2013From Press Release -
Cog Wild Bicycle Tours offers a full range of tours starting with half-day and one-day trips to Bike & Brewery Weekends and multi-day adventures. Learn about the natural history of the area and make new friends on a tour customized for each guest. Cog Wild’s guides have many years of experience riding in Central Oregon, prepare scrumptious, nutritious meals and are known for entertaining tales.
Cog Wild is also a supporting sponsor of Central Oregon’s Pacific Crest Weekend Sports Festival. In addition to offering transport of participant’s bikes to the swim/transition venue at Wickiup Reservoir on race weekend (for a fee), they also have ongoing bike tours and shuttle service available for those venturing to east of the Cascades for Pacific Crest, or any other time during the coming months.
The trails surrounding Bend, Sunriver and Sisters are perfect for riders of all levels from beginner and family up to expert level. Each tour is paired with riders of similar level riding experience to ensure a great trip. Bike rentals and pick up in Sunriver is available. Interested guests are encouraged to call Cog Wild or look at Cog Wild’s website for details.
Cog Wild Bicycle Tours is owned by Melanie Fisher and Lev Stryker, two experienced mountain bikers pooling their talents to create fun, once-in-a-lifetime adventures perfect for riders of all levels. “I have mountain biked in many places across the globe, and Central Oregon has some of the most amazing trails I have ever seen. There are few places you can choose from a 10 mile, 30 mile or even 100 mile route and still never cross your tracks once” shares Melanie Fisher. Central Oregon is home to a huge network of cross country trails crossing through forests and meadows complete with breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains. “One of my favorite rides takes you through Happy Valley where I am still waiting for Smurfs to appear from behind rocks as you cross little streams and fields of flowers, all the time surrounded by huge mountains.. it is a surreal experience,” continues Melanie.
Cog Wild is a supporter of COTA, the local Trail Alliance that ensures a wonderful riding experience by keeping the hundreds of miles of trails in perfect riding order every year. Many guests coming to Central Oregon are overwhelmed by their choices in where to ride, and this is where Cog Wild comes in. Guests can share with Melanie and Lev what type of terrain and riding experience they are looking for, and the owners of Cog Wild can help them choose a tour to fit their needs. “Guests always leave us tired and with a big smile, the usual feedback is that their time riding with us was the highlight of their visit to Central Oregon” explains Lev.
To contact Cog Wild please call 541-385-7002 or 866-610-4822 or find them at www.cogwild.com.
First Thursday Urban Adventure Runs Presented By Fit Right – Begins March 7
February 25, 2013From Press Release -
Join Portland’s most popular FREE group run happening the First Thursday of each month (March – September 2013). With an average of more than 600 runners in attendance, this unique and groundbreaking event allows you to go for a test run in various brand shoes and listen to awesome music by DJ Raj! FREE BEER! Yup, after you’ve visited all of your checkpoints to collect raffle tickets, you can enjoy a beer in their beer garden, mingle with sponsors and get ready to win one of over $3,000 in prizes given away each night.
For more information about the Fit Right First Thursday Urban Adventure Run, visitwww.fit-right-nw.com/1st-thursday.html
Additional First Thursday Images – Facebook Photo Gallery
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Muscle Milk® Race to Kona Contest Announced – Winner to Receive a Trip to Kona to Watch the Top Triathletes Compete This Fall
February 5, 2013From Press Release -
AA Sports Ltd. and Muscle Milk® have announced the return of the Muscle Milk Race to Kona contest for the 2013 triathlon and duathlon season. Participants of the events outlined below will be entered to win a trip for two to Kona, Hawaii and hang out at the Muscle Milk House on Ali’i Drive this coming October. The trip will coincide with race week of the world championships, so winners will have a chance to watch the big race!
“We are thrilled to once again be offering the participants of this year’s AA Sports Multi-Sport events this opportunity to see some of the world’s best athletes compete in Hawaii this fall,” remarks AA Sports President Carol Atherton. “Watching this annual event on television has inspired so many people across the nation, and many of those local athletes find their way to our events each year looking to fulfill a dream. We feel that the Muscle Milk Race to Kona is a unique way to give something back to the participants of these Northwest events.”
Entry into the Muscle Milk Race to Kona contest is based solely on a participant’s entry into the AA Sports Multi-Sport races (listed below) during the 2013 season. Each entry gives the athlete one chance to win. Entering multiple races provides the athlete with the corresponding number of chances. No additional purchases are required, and your performance in any race does not factor into increasing your chances of winning. Race entries may not be sold or transferred. All entrants must be at least 18 years old and legal residents of the United States.
4/21/2013 Heart of the Valley Triathlon/Duathlon – Corvallis, OR
6/8/2013 Blue Lake Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon – Fairview, OR
6/9/2013 Blue Lake Olympic Triathlon/Duathlon – Fairview, OR
6/29/2013 Pacific Crest Long Course Triathlon/Duathlon – Sunriver, OR
6/30/2013 Pacific Crest Olympic Triathlon/Duathlon – Sunriver, OR
7/6/2013 Hagg Lake Triathlon/Duathlon – Forest Grove, OR
8/3/2013 Wahine All Women’s Triathlon/Duathlon – Fairview, OR
8/4/2013 Mid-Summer Triathlon/Duathlon – Fairview, OR
For additional information and contest rules, visit www.racecenter.com/racetokona.
Bakers Dozen Half Marathon Series Announced for 2013
January 16, 2013From Press Release -
The Baker’s Dozen Series is comprised of 13 Half-Marathon events that are produced by Northwest-based organizations (AKA “Home Baked Miles”). These events give back to their local communities in numerous ways, including support of local charities, children’s programs, high school sports programs, as well as health and fitness initiatives across the Northwest.
This series of races have been selected to showcase locally owned and produced races, which will include a series championship (Pacific Crest Half Marathon) as well as other participation perks to be announced. Check out the Bakers Dozen Series website for more details about the series points, and how you can qualify for the Bakers Dozen Medal.
Pacific Crest Registration Is Open
October 10, 2012Special early-bird registration for the Pacific Crest Weekend Sports Festival, to be held June 28-30, 2013, in beautiful Sunriver, Oregon, is now open. Sign up now to receive a $10 discount and a race specific finisher tech shirt (valued at $35). Early-bird special is only available for entries received by November 1st, 2012.
Visit the Pacific Crest website (aasportsltd.com/pacificcrest) for more information and to register for each race.
Reminder: Black Diamond Triathlon, Duathlon & Half Marathon is September 15 – 16
September 7, 2012
Summer might be ending, but you have one more chance to get a race in at Black Diamond, September 15-16, in Enumclaw, WA. This two-day festival of events includes a Long Course Triathlon and Endurance Duathlon on Saturday, as well as a Half Marathon, Olympic and Sprint Distance Triathlon on Sunday. Sign up now to get the best entry fee!
Leave the city behind and enjoy the great outdoors as you swim, bike and run through scenic Nolte State Park. Located just 40 miles from downtown Seattle, the 117-acre park is largely forested and has over 7,000 feet of shoreline that surrounds Deep Lake.
SATURDAY 9/
15
Long Course Triathlon – 1.2 mi Swim, 56 mi Bike, 13.1 mi Run (9:00 a.m.)
Endurance Duathlon – 56 mi Bike, 13.1 mi Run (9:15 a.m.)
SUNDAY 9/16
Sprint Triathlon – .5mi Swim, 11mi Bike, 2.8mi Run (9:00 a.m. wave start)
Tri-iT (Novice) Triathlon – .25mi Swim, 11mi Bike, 2.8mi Run (9:00 a.m. wave start)
Olympic Triathlon – 1.5k Swim, 40k Bike, 10k Run (9:00 a.m. wave start)
Olympic Duathlon – 40k Bike, 10k Run (9:15 a.m. time trial start)
Half Marathon – 9:05 a.m. (mass start)
The triathlons start with a swim in crystal clear Deep Lake. We recommend you wear a full-body wetsuit as the water temperature is expected to be around 65 degrees. This safe swim course has medical support on hand if necessary.
The bike courses are on nicely paved country roads over some rolling hills. Enjoy views of the Cascade Mountains as you ride along the route. There is very little vehicle traffic and intersections are monitored for your safety.
The run portion of the Olympic Triathlon is on quiet county roads, with a finish on a wide, unpaved nature trail that circles the lake. For the Sprint and Tri-It distance, the run is entirely in the park. The Long Course Triathlon/Endurance Duathlon run and Half Marathon finish on a wide dirt trail that circles the lake. The course has flat to gentle rolling hills.
This is a great way to spend the weekend. Each day will include finish line food, music, awards ceremony, and above all, fun and camaraderie! Each participant will receive a Black Diamond commemorative shirt, goody bag and finisher’s medal.
Meet Chrissie Wellington at Peak Sports in Corvallis – September 6
September 5, 2012
Four-time Ironman World Champion Chrissie Wellington is coming to Peak Sports in Corvallis, Oregon, this Thursday, September 6, from 6 – 7 p.m.
Wellington, 35, is the current world record-holder at the iron-distance triathlon, which entails a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2 mile run. Her world record time of 8:18:13, set at the 2011 Challenge Roth, crushed the previous record by over half an hour. She has broken 9 hours nine times, more than any other female Ironman triathlete.
Wellington’s last race was her victory at the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championships. She also won the event in 2007, 2008 and 2009. She was unable to start the 2010 race due to illness, but recovered later that year to set a new world record.
In 2012, Welling
ton has taken a break from competition to focus on her autobiography, “A Life Without Limits.” The book details her development into a professional triathlete and the experiences and challenges she has faced.
Wellington grew up in Norfolk, where she began her athletic career as a swimmer. She studied Geography at the University of Birmingham and was captain of the swim team. After graduation, Wellington pursued her passion for travel and visited Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Asia. From this experience, she decided to study international development at the University of Manchester, where she earned her MA and began running. She ran her first marathon at the 2002 London Marathon.
In 2002, Wellington got a job with the UK Government as an adviser on international development policy. She continued to run, but was hit by a car in 2003. Although the injuries she sustained prevented her from running, she took the opportunity to return to the pool. Once healthy to both run and swim, a friend encouraged her to try triathlons. The rest is history.
Wellington started with sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, but it was not until 2007 that she realized her potential to be a professional triathlete and joined TeamTBB.
The risk paid off when Wellington won her first Ironman World Championships. She is the only triathlete, male or female, to have won the World Championship less than a year after turning professional.
Read the entire story at www.chrissiewellington.org and do not miss the amazing opportunity to meet Chrissie Wellington at Peak Sports!
Thursday, September 6th, 6 – 7 p.m.
Peak Sports
207 Northwest 2nd Street
Corvallis, OR 97330
(541) 754-6444
Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon Gears Up for Year Three
August 29, 2012From Press Release -
Thousands of runners, wine enthusiasts, sponsors and spectators will converge at the finish line of the Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon, presented by Subaru, in the “great little town” of Carlton on Sunday, September 2nd. Now in its third year, the race is one of the most scenic half marathons in the country, and features four days events beginning on Thursday at Sports Authority in Beaverton.
Two-time defending women’s champion Carre Heineck is returning to attempt to win her third-in-a-row. The 30-year-old Portland resident set the women’s course record last year at 1:18:44 and looks to better that mark in 2012. “The Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon is a big, competitive race, but it doesn’t seem like it, because people are so friendly and supportive,” comments Heineck in a brief moment between being a full-time middle school teacher and the mother of a two-year-old. “It has a great community feel to it. At most big races, you never really talk to the other competitors, but at this race, everyone hangs out. Last year, I met Eva Vail, who finished 3rd and now we’re friends and we train together.”
The 13.1-mile race starts at Stoller Vineyards and winds through scenic Yamhill County in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine region before finishing on North Pine Street in Carlton. A Wine & Music Festival, awards ceremony and other activities follow the race in Carlton. New for 2012 will be the Winery Team Challenge, in which local wineries field teams of runners and compete for the winery trophy.
According to Matt Dockstader, the Event Director, two course changes and new elements such as the Winery Team Challenge have been added to enhance the event experience. “Oregon has such a strong running community which is even evident within the wineries. Many of them pull together teams to compete in the race, which gave us the idea to incorporate this challenge into all our races. It gives it a fun, local flavor, although we draw from all over the country.”
Each race participant receives a specially designed technical running shirt, colorful finishers medal with a wine-stopper and corkscrew, plus a Riedel Oregon Pinot Noir wine glass and entry into the post-race Wine & Music Festival, where 24 wineries and one brewery from the region will be pouring. Additional glasses and tickets for the festival can be purchased for friends and family.
With so many people visiting the Willamette Valley before, during and after the event, local businesses thrive. “On that weekend, we are extremely busy, especially on race day,” bristles Retta Carl, co-owner of Cielo Blu Restaurant in Carlton. “We get not only the race participants, but also the event staff, the volunteers, and the friends and families that come to watch the runners cross the finish line.”
The Health and Fitness Expo is held on Saturday September 1st from 10:00am to 6:00pm at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, and is free and open to the public. Under the wings of the Spruce Goose, the expo features exhibitor booths, seminars, wine tasting and packet pickup for registered runners, plus discounts on other Evergreen attractions. Other ancillary events include early packet pickup at Sports Authority in Beaverton on August 30th, a welcome reception on August 31st at Grand Cru Estates, a pre-race dinner and a post-race wine tasting tour.
Adam Goucher and Tim Catalano will be guest speakers at the Expo. Adam was a 2000 US Olympian in the 10,000 meters and co-authored “Running the Edge” with Catalano. He is also the husband of Kara Goucher, who will compete for the US in the marathon in London. KGW news anchor Laural Porter is registered to run the race with her daughter and will speak at the pre-race dinner.
The primary beneficiary of the Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon is Carlton Together Cares, a non-profit organization that operates the Carlton Community Center and develops programs for youth and families in the Carlton-Yamhill area. They are largely focused on providing youth with useful roles in the community, and safe and healthy activities.
Registration for the Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon is still open and can be accessed through the event website, www.run4oregonwine.com. A team competition with six or more runners is offered, in addition to a 2-person relay. The race is part of a series produced by Destination Races, who also produces Wine Country Half Marathons in Napa-Sonoma, Healdsburg, Santa Barbara and Virginia. For more information on the series, visit www.destinationraces.com.