UPDATE (2 Apr 2026): We are so sorry to share that the 2026 Bridge of the Gods Run must be canceled due to circumstances outside of our control.
Due to a large landslide that has completely buried and removed access to a significant section of our course along the Historic Highway trail, we’ve been informed by Oregon State Parks and Oregon Department of Transportation that the route will not be passable in time for this year’s event. The slide includes deep mud, rocks, and trees, and clean up will also require ensuring the stability of the remaining hillside.
We have explored every possible alternative, and unfortunately, permitting will not be allowed, and there are no viable options to safely move forward this year.
This event is incredibly special to us; we look forward to it every year and love seeing so many familiar faces. We know many of you feel the same, and we share in your disappointment.
Looking ahead, we are already planning for 2027. Breakaway Promotions is also working on some new additions to bring even more great events to your race calendar.
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The Bridge of the Gods Half Marathon and 10K is expanding into the Bridge of the Gods Festival Weekend.
The weekend will start with a Kid’s Community 1K, which is free to any child 12 and under on Saturday afternoon.
This will be followed by the first-ever Bridge of the God’s Twilight 5K Run on Saturday evening. Cross the mighty Bride of the Gods during the golden hour of sunset for mind-blowing beauty you can find nowhere else. How can it get any better?
How about finishing your 5K run while the Thunder Island Music Festival is in full swing? From 6-8:30 PM, there will be a main stage and amazing music playing in one of the most unique concert locations! We are going to rock Thunder Island! Food trucks as well as a full-service beer garden sponsored by Thunder Island Brewing and Gorges Beers will be on tap.
Then Sunday will be the traditional Half Marathon and 10K Runs to wrap up the weekend.
BIG CITY RUN & WILD SCENIC BEAUTY
The Bridge of the Gods Half Marathon and 10k starts on the Washington side of the spectacular Columbia River taking runners across the scenic Bridge of the Gods. Amazing views directly under foot await competitors and are sure to get the blood pumping before reaching your first mile.
From the Bridge of the Gods the run will connect with the Historic Columbia River Highway State Park Trail and head west into the lush foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Runners will keep cool during the hot August weather by crossing 4 bridges and creeks as well as running under a thick shaded canopy of old growth forest.
The half marathon turn around is located west of the newest section of the Old Hwy Trail at Moffett Creek and from there runners return to Cascade Locks. After a short sprint through town runners will head into Marine Park were the Sternwheeler is located and across the bridge that spans the historic locks to finish on Thunder Island. At the finish is a beer garden, music and expo transforming the small Thunder Island into a rocking big party right in the middle of the Columbia River.
LESS
What a view
You start the race on the WA state side and cross over the bridge right away I’m still counting this as my OR race. The course is an out and … MORE
You start the race on the WA state side and cross over the bridge right away I’m still counting this as my OR race. The course is an out and back climbing switchbacks all the way out and then heading down hill on the return it’s all paved and the views are breathtaking to say the least.
Scenic with stairs and good breakfast
I chose this race from a list of the most scenic halves. It lived up with the great reviews. It had stairs going up and down. The weather was great … MORE
I chose this race from a list of the most scenic halves. It lived up with the great reviews. It had stairs going up and down. The weather was great this year. I enjoyed the trail without worrying about vehicles. Post run breakfast was great and I also went to hot springs afterwards nearby.
With limited accommodations, I stayed in Hood River, 20 min drive from the bus stop. If you like camping, it’s also an option on site. I strongly recommend this for your destination race.
Hard but Beautiful Amazing Course
This was state #43 for us. Oregon is Beautiful, lots to see and do! Weather is perfect this time of year!!!!!!!! We stayed at the Comfort Inn in Troutdale about … MORE
This was state #43 for us. Oregon is Beautiful, lots to see and do! Weather is perfect this time of year!!!!!!!! We stayed at the Comfort Inn in Troutdale about 30 minutes from start of race – we ran the 5K and Half. Pack pick us is simple no expo but organized. We did this on the Friday. The view crossing Bridge of Gods is absolutely Gorgeous. It’s a trough course with hills and a set of cement stairs – about 64 steps.
Fabulous Race
This race was well organized and going over the bridge was spectacular! The hills in this race are no joke! The scenery was beautiful and Cascade Lock is a fun … MORE
This race was well organized and going over the bridge was spectacular! The hills in this race are no joke! The scenery was beautiful and Cascade Lock is a fun weekend trip. Register early bc this race sells out. We were wait listed and by the time we got off it was difficult to find a place to stay.
Stunning! Loved it!
As a 50 state runner, I booked this race a year in advance. I was super excited to come to the Pacific Northwest for the first time and this race … MORE
As a 50 state runner, I booked this race a year in advance. I was super excited to come to the Pacific Northwest for the first time and this race course did not disappoint when it came to amazing views. The town it’s held in is really small and accommodations are Hard to come by. I easily got a VRBO about 25 minutes away, but if you wanted to stay in town you do need to be quick about making reservations. I also heard some complaints about people not being able to get Ubers back to the airport. This is absolutely a town where you have to rent a car. You’ll want to rent a car to allow yourself to explore. The race start is across the bridge in Washington and they shuttle you over on a quick five minute ride. You literally start the first few steps right on the bridge. The views were beautiful. The course menders into the woods on a paved course basically the whole thing is closed, which is great. I did have a first in this race which was steps! They were about 65 steps up at one point and then of course back down because it’s out and back well this was the second race in a two state weekend and my legs were trashed. I did really enjoy it. It was challenging, but not too terrible. I was really surprised by the food at the end which was massive and plentiful! Chicken and Ramen and pasta and pork and desserts you name it! My only criticism is that they’re charging a lot of money for the photos and the cost of this race is already high and it should be included. My photos, the majority of them have other people in them anyway. Add this one to your list!
Tough and Beautiful Race
This was state #43 for us. Oregon is Beautiful, lots to see and do! Weather is perfect this time of year!!!!!!!! We stayed at the Comfort Inn in Troutdale about … MORE
This was state #43 for us. Oregon is Beautiful, lots to see and do! Weather is perfect this time of year!!!!!!!! We stayed at the Comfort Inn in Troutdale about 30 minutes from start of race – we ran the 5K and Half. Pack pick us is simple no expo but organized. We did this on the Friday. The view crossing Bridge of Gods is absolutely Gorgeous. It’s a trough course with hills and a set of cement stairs – about 64 steps.
Hot and hilly
An 8:00 start in August is way too late to start a race. To me, it was already warm. I’m used to running in the dark during summer so I … MORE
An 8:00 start in August is way too late to start a race. To me, it was already warm. I’m used to running in the dark during summer so I don’t have the heat of the sun burning me. My fault to run a race in the middle of summer but an earlier start would’ve helped tremendously. A lot of runners I spoke to after the race was irritated with the heat and late start. There was hardly any shade even after the race. No merchandise to purchase and you had to pay $3 for a beer. If you’re a faster runner, the heat wouldn’t be an issue but if you’re a slower runner who’s out there for a few hours, it’s rough. It is a beautiful course but very steep inclines which I was not prepared for and stairs between miles 2-3 which you do a loop so you have to come back down them and then more stairs at the finish while trying to dodge other runners who had finished in your way. Yes it was cool to run across the Bridge of the Gods but really that’s the only selling factor of this race. No swag and the medal is cheap looking. I was glad to check Oregon off my list. Definitely will not run again.
Stunning scenery and challenging hills
Communication from race directors was timely and organized. Volunteers were friendly, helpful and encouraging. The beautiful course was either views of the Columbia River or the shaded Old Highway, so … MORE
Communication from race directors was timely and organized. Volunteers were friendly, helpful and encouraging. The beautiful course was either views of the Columbia River or the shaded Old Highway, so that helps take your mind off the hills! There are also 2 sets of switchbacks and a set of stairs! (62 steps – yep I counted them!) Plentiful aid stations and lots of delicious food at finish.
Walker friendly. Shirt and medal were okay; both pretty plain.
Great race
Lots of hills and a beautiful view of the Columbia Gorge. Well organized. Needed more port a potties at the end.The coarse was Challenging but worth it! MORE
Lots of hills and a beautiful view of the Columbia Gorge. Well organized. Needed more port a potties at the end.The coarse was Challenging but worth it!
Beautiful area, well run, great food.
Pretty ordinary packet pickup, but nice race shirt. Race day parking and shuttles were well run. Course was paved trails, about 75% shaded, some steady inclines and declines made for … MORE
Pretty ordinary packet pickup, but nice race shirt. Race day parking and shuttles were well run. Course was paved trails, about 75% shaded, some steady inclines and declines made for a somewhat challenging race. Aid stations every 1.5 miles or so were well run. A little congestion mixing Half with slower 10K runners/walkers. Finishing medal was slightly disappointing, but post-race food was terrific. Overall great event. Glad I chose to do this race for my 50 state quest!
Beautiful and Scenic Race
This is a beuatiful and unique course. It can be challenging with features like a set of concrete stairs in the middle of the course, but it is a must … MORE
This is a beuatiful and unique course. It can be challenging with features like a set of concrete stairs in the middle of the course, but it is a must do. The race does sell out, and local accomodations are limited (unless you can camp or have an RV) so planning is key for this event.
Gorgeous views
This race has beautiful views and lots of aid stations. Rolling hills throughout so be prepared. Out and back so you get to see the super fast runners on their … MORE
This race has beautiful views and lots of aid stations. Rolling hills throughout so be prepared. Out and back so you get to see the super fast runners on their way back. Very nice when weather is overcast. Food was super delicious. Medal was the same as last years except for changing the year.
Washington or Oregon
Starting on the WA side of the Bridge of the Gods and then crossing into Oregon is a hoot. Even cooler if you are trying to get your 50 states … MORE
Starting on the WA side of the Bridge of the Gods and then crossing into Oregon is a hoot. Even cooler if you are trying to get your 50 states – you decide which one to count. Just note there are a set of steps on this course….not crazy hard, just surprising.
The course support is great and the post race party is awesome.
Great course support
I’d heard good things about this race and I was not disappointed. Beautiful, mostly shady course with frequent water stops and snacks. The course was out and back with rolling … MORE
I’d heard good things about this race and I was not disappointed. Beautiful, mostly shady course with frequent water stops and snacks. The course was out and back with rolling hills and some frequent steady inclines. If I had one gripe it would be that you had to pay for beverages other than water. One beer or at least a soda would have gone a long way.
Must Run Course for 50 state challenge
This is mostly an out and back course that is super hilly, but I would still recommend this OR race! Cute little town, with gorgeous views over the Bridge of … MORE
This is mostly an out and back course that is super hilly, but I would still recommend this OR race! Cute little town, with gorgeous views over the Bridge of the Gods and through the paved trail course. Race logistics were great – shuttle, aid stations and esp the post-race lunch (with real food – carribean rice and chicken plus a vegetarian option). highly recommend it!
Beautiful course, very organized
Great scenery from start to finish since most of the race runs along the river or through pretty wooded areas. Quite a few hills and even a set of steps … MORE
Great scenery from start to finish since most of the race runs along the river or through pretty wooded areas. Quite a few hills and even a set of steps along the way, so be prepared for that! It was well organized, everyone was very nice and it ran quite smooth. There was a good line up of food at the end and they had beer to purchase. I would definitely recommend this race! The only part that was missing was any sort of expo, I would have loved to see some merchandise for sale either before or after the race.
Best of the PNW
Amazing scenic course along the Columbia River. Rolling hills throughout the course make it a challenge worth trying. The finish area on an island in the river gives perfect scenery … MORE
Amazing scenic course along the Columbia River. Rolling hills throughout the course make it a challenge worth trying. The finish area on an island in the river gives perfect scenery to take in while recovering.
The organizers really went all out this year. The medals were lost in the delivery process, but at the last minute they were able to get finisher water bottles made, and the medals were mailed to us after they were reordered.
Hilly and gorgeous scenery
This is a very hilly course, no doubt about that. Running over the Bridge of the Gods was very interesting. Don't look down if you are afraid of heights! It … MORE
This is a very hilly course, no doubt about that. Running over the Bridge of the Gods was very interesting. Don’t look down if you are afraid of heights! It is an open grill and you can see straight down to the water.
The production from start to finish went very smooth. There were lots of Port-o-Potties at the start of the race which was great. They offered “start prizes” if you got on the first couple of buses as you had to take the bus to the start line. They had a pancake breakfast ready at the bus stop too.
Easy to find race package pick up and they even had a volunteer waving a glow stick to show where the buses were.
Course support was awesome with water stations and 2 port-o-potties.
Scenery was gorgeous to take in. Perfect running weather, could not have asked for a better day!
The only really hard hiccup was that the medals got lost in transit. A posting and email went out 2 days before the race about the lost medals. The day before the race, there was a long write up on FB outlining what really happened and what they were doing to correct the situation. So, the organization very much stepped up to the plate and are trying their best to make it right. Very sincere in their apologies and I do believe that they will live up to their customer service pledge. They were able to get engraved, glass water bottles (for your chosen distance) to give all participants as they crossed the finish line until the medals show up or new ones made.
New Edit: January 2020
I did receive my medal in the mail in November, it is a nice medal to add to the collection, so it receives a final review of 3 shoes.
Nice views
Looks like the route has changed since 2018. It was a fun run and last minute. Had a friend who couldn’t run it so I took her spot. We didn’t … MORE
Looks like the route has changed since 2018. It was a fun run and last minute. Had a friend who couldn’t run it so I took her spot. We didn’t have any issues changing from her info to mine. I was already training for a full which made this race easier than my training which is my PR and almost made under 2 hours. So close!! I would practice hills since it seems more elevation gain than 2018.
Beautiful, Worth the Trip!
I ran this race in 2018 for my 21st birthday with my best friend. It was beautiful and unique. I would definitely recommend it to others who are considering participating. … MORE
I ran this race in 2018 for my 21st birthday with my best friend. It was beautiful and unique. I would definitely recommend it to others who are considering participating. A full meal and a beautiful medal at the finish line were a great feature of this lovely race! 🙂