RUN Wenatchee

WENATCHEE — A year ago, organizers of the inaugural River Run thought they had a good formula: Traffic-free courses, fall weather, and a start and finish in the midst of a downtown Wenatchee festival.

When the event attracted 250 people, it was an affirmation of sorts.

“By having it in conjunction with the Taste of the Harvest Festival, there are so many activities going on,” said Martha Amrine, co-race director. “It’s a fun event.”

On Sept. 17, River Run will embark on Year II with a half-marathon run, 10K run and walk, and 5K run and walk, along with a new one-mile Survivor Walk.

Like last year, participants in the half-marathon will travel on the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail in Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, a course that provides great views of the Columbia River and the Cascades. The 10K, 5K and Survivor Walk participants will be mostly on the loop trail as well.

The Wellness Place, whose mission it is to provide information and compassionate support to individuals and their families dealing with cancers, is the 2011 beneficiary of this years River Run.

What, when, where: River Run half-marathon, 10K and 5K runs and walks, and a 1-mile Survivor Walk, beginning at 10 a.m. Sept. 17. The runs and walks start at Centennial Park (Wenatchee Avenue and Yakima Street) and finish at the Stanley Civic Center Plaza (Wenatchee Avenue and First Street).

What’s so special: This event in held in conjunction with the Taste of the Harvest Festival in downtown Wenatchee. The festival features a wine garden, beer garden, music, booths, and food, including the Farmers Market.

What to expect: Mid-September typically provides ideal running conditions in the Wenatchee Valley — sunny skies and temperatures in the 50s and 60s in the morning. The 5K and 10K courses are flat and fast. The half-marathon course on the trail is gently rolling.

What you won’t forget: Finishers who are 21 years and older receive a $5 coupon off the price of entering the wine garden at the Harvest fest. Age group winners get into the wine garden for free. Exert yourself on the trail and then relax at the festival.

New this year: A free one-mile Survivor Walk for all cancer survivors. No registration is necessary. The walk is sponsored by Wellness Place of Wenatchee.

Extras: Biosports will provide post-race massages for participants in the finish area. 9th Street Yoga will provide yoga demonstrations in the same spot. Reliv is giving samples at the end.

Last year’s winners: Half-Marathon — Mark Andersen 1:23:57 (men), Lori Buratto 1:26:30 (women); 10K — Ryan Peterson 38:44 (men), Heidi Loewen 42:11 (women); 5K — Paul Conner 24:39 (men), Hillary Conner 23:14 (women).

Cost: $35 for the 5K, $45 for the 10K, and $70 for the half-marathon. One-mile Survivor Walk is free.