Run Willamette offers a challenging, scenic course set in the Salem Hills
SALEM HILLS, Ore., April 1, 2025 —Early registration is now open for Willamette Valley Vineyards’ 2nd Annual Run Willamette 5K race, scheduled for Saturday, June 28 at 9:30 am. Wine and fitness enthusiasts alike are encouraged to register to run or walk the challenging and scenic course set among the slopes and vines at the winery’s Estate in the Salem Hills.
Alex Mangan, who works with the winery’s marketing team, created Run Willamette in 2024. An avid runner who competed at Linfield College and planned running events in previous jobs, Mangan participates actively in the local running community and coaches high school track and field.
Mangan went for a run around the vineyard in 2021 during his first week at the winery. Running up the Estate’s lengthy, steep driveway was a challenging and rewarding climb that he knew could become an iconic challenge for local runners and walkers.
“I knew during that first run that this would make an epic course for a 5K,” he said. “It has all the elements — scenic views of the Willamette Valley, varying terrains, fun competition and a great location to spend an afternoon after crossing the finish line.”
He added that the finisher glass of wine “tastes even better after a little bit of suffering.”
Run Willamette winds through the Estate property, taking runners into original vineyard plantings, through the winery’s Into the Woods campground and up the iconic drive for a strong finish on the lawns looking out over the vines.
Entry for the event is limited to 300 participants. Children 12 and under are invited to join the untimed 1-kilometer route and can run with a parent or guardian. The entry fee includes:
- Newly designed race t-shirt and finisher medals for the adult participants, plus a complimentary glass of wine following the race and a $10 bottle credit ($15 for active Members and Owners).
- Youth race t-shirt and finisher medal for Kids 1k participants.
Early registration is $55 for the 5K and $15 for the Kids 1K. The entry fee for the 5K will increase to $60 on April 30. Post-race celebrations include a complimentary glass of wine with special pours, awards, live music and the chance to purchase additional bottles. Food will be available for purchase from on-site food trucks.
A portion of race proceeds will be donated to ¡Salud! and its work to provide healthcare services and outreach to Oregon vineyard workers and their families.
For more information about Run Willamette and Willamette Valley Vineyards, please visit www.bit.ly/Run-Willamette-2025 and www.wvv.com.
About Willamette Valley Vineyards
Founded in 1983 by President Jim Bernau with the dream of creating world-class Pinot Noir while serving as stewards of the land, Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown from a bold idea into one of the region’s leading wineries, earning the title “One of America’s Great Pinot Noir Producers” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. In addition, all the vineyards have been certified sustainable through LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon-Safe programs. With 1,000 acres under vine, Willamette farms its Estate winery in the Salem Hills, sparkling winery Domaine Willamette in the Dundee Hills, pioneering Tualatin Estate Vineyard near Forest Grove and Elton Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills. The winery has expanded recently to include 10 tasting rooms in Oregon, Washington and California – growth made possible by the stock ownership of many wine enthusiasts.
