Run the River draws record 1,500 participants from across Tri-Cities
The 4th annual Run the River road race brought more than 1,500 runners to Columbia Park on Saturday, continuing the rapid growth of a community-driven event that now spans the Tri-Cities.
The race began and ended at Columbia Park in Kennewick, with runners following a scenic course along the Columbia River. The route crossed into Richland and Pasco before returning to Kennewick for the finish. Distances included a full marathon, half-marathon, 5K, and a marathon relay.
Organized by a group of local running enthusiasts, Run the River has expanded quickly since its first year in 2022, when about 250 runners participated. This year’s race sold out within weeks of registration opening.
“This is a great event, and seeing how this has taken off since we started is really exciting,” said Scott Conrad.
Conraid is the owner of Runner’s Soul of Tri-Cities, the event’s title sponsor.
“We have built what I think of as a village of runners and supporters who work hard all year to make this happen.”
In addition to the race, the event featured a vendor expo with running shoe and fitness vendors, along with a recovery zone where participants could receive stretching, physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic services after finishing.
Christie Hayes of West Richland, one of the event’s organizers, has been involved since its founding. An experienced marathoner, Hayes has completed 115 marathons, including the New York, Boston, and Chicago marathons.
“We wanted an event that pulled together ideas from all the marathons we have run and bring those here to the Tri-Cities,” Hayes said. “We all have things we have loved about other races, and now our community gets to experience that here.”
Hayes said organizers are already planning for next year’s race.
“We are looking forward to making our fifth year even better and bringing in more events and vendors as we continue to grow,” she said.
The race also drew participants from outside the Tri-Cities, including a group of friends from Walla Walla who trained together for the event.
Chelsea Brown, Lindsey Weaver, and Morghan Clark said they signed up as a way to challenge themselves together.
“We are starting with a half-marathon this year and building up to a full marathon next year,” said Brown, a mother of four.
Clark said she was inspired by her friends to join, despite being nervous about the distance.
“I couldn’t do this by myself,” Weaver added. “But we’re moms. We can do anything.”
The race featured a flat course and cool spring conditions, giving runners an opportunity for fast times while remaining accessible to participants of all experience levels.