Virtual 10k

Top 5 Reasons to Go Virtual

If you aren't able to make it out to our little corner of Oregon this year, here are some awesome reasons to participate in our Virtual Great Columbia Crossing 10K:

1) Choose the Time

No need to get up at the crack of dawn to board the shuttle buses to the starting line! Log your miles during your lunch break, between meetings, on the weekend, after dark, etc. Pick whatever time works in your schedule between Oct. 13-31, 2024. Rainy and cold on "race morning"? Wait for better weather another day!

2) Pick the Place

With no set race course, you can run/walk on your treadmill, your neighborhood, your front yard or a local trail or beach. Still want an excuse to enjoy a weekend getaway on the Oregon Coast? That's not a problem! You can't cross the Astoria-Megler Bridge on foot, but you're welcome to race along the Astoria Riverwalk, jog on the beach in Warrenton or explore the area's various hiking trails.

3) Go Your Pace

You can run, jog, walk, crawl -- any speed is fine with us. There's no course time limit, so go as fast or slow as you like. (No getting picked-up by the sweeper bus!)

4) Avoid the Crowds

Virtual races are social-distancing friendly! No standing in line at packet pick-up or waiting in a crowd at the starting line. Your event packet will be shipped directly to the shipping address you provide us so just pin on your race bib, throw on your t-shirt and check off those miles! Virtual 10K participants wishing to have a packet mailed outside of the U.S. will be contacted with the International Shipping options and invoiced for the balance of the increased postage.

5) Show Your Support

2024 is the 42nd year of the Great Columbia Crossing and your support this year means the world to the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce and helps us move forward with hosting this epic race.  Show-off your well-earned finisher medal on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #GreatColumbiaCrossing

Virtual Race Tips

• Plan your route:  Which route suits you best?  There are many resources that can help you to plan a new or unfamiliar route - Runkeeper, Strava, and Map My Run are just a few.  These applications have GPS capabilities that allow you to create an accurately distanced route.
• Be safe:  Since you may be running or walking alone, consider carrying your phone with you and be sure that someone other than you knows your rote.  You will receive a Great Columbia Crossing Virtual 10K race bib with your race packet.  Just like an in-person race, write down your emergency contact (name and phone number) on your virtual race bib in case of emergency.
• Keeping time:  There are no timing chips in a virtual race.  To time your race:
  • Use a running GPS or smart watch such as Garmin, Timex, FitBit, or Apple.
  • Download a free tracking app such as Runkeeper or Strava.
• Stay hydrated: Remember to carry you own fuel and water, if needed.  You may want to plan a route that passes your own residence so you can set-up a water station.
• Recruit your own cheering squad:  Running/walking alone doesn't need to be a solitary event.  Make your virtual race a memorable occasion.  Family and friends can be your personal cheering squad to encourage you along the way.  Take photos to commemorate your success.
• Be social:  Celebrate your accomplishment and congratulate other virtual racers by sharing your virtual race photos on social media using the hashtag: #GreatColumbiaCrossing  If you're not on social media, you can email your photos to: events@oldoregon.com

Local Area Routes for the Virtual 10K

With no set race course, you can run on your treadmill, your neighborhood sidewalk, your front yard or a local trail or beach. Still want an excuse to enjoy a weekend getaway on the Oregon Coast? That's not a problem! You can't cross the Astoria-Megler Bridge on foot, but you're welcome to race along the Astoria Riverwalk, jog on the beach in Warrenton or explore the area's various hiking routes.  Lengths listed below are approximate - use your personal GPS device for an accurate measurement.

Please recreate responsibly. Be alert - always be aware of your surroundings and what is going on nearby. Pack out what you pack in. Stay on the trails.  Help us keep these natural places pristine, so we can continue to enjoy them for a long time.

Where can you go to get your 10K run near Astoria? Here are a few ideas:

Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Fort Clatsop  Click here to review trail maps and tips for visiting this location. There are several options to choose from or combine for your desired trail length. Stop in at the visitor center to check in, pay your fees, and get a trail map before you hit the trails.

* The Fort to Sea Trail is 6.5 miles from Fort Clatsop to Sunset Beach.  400-foot elevation gain from Fort Clatsop Visitor Center to Clatsop Ridge overlook.  The trail is clear, but not paved, so expect some mud if it has been raining.  Also if you don’t want to walk all the way back, be prepared to have a friend pick you up at the end or call a cab.
* The South Slough Trail and Kwis Kwis Trail can be combined to form loops of varying lengths including a 10K or shorter routes.
* The Netul River Trail is a 1.25 mile trail from the Netul Landing parking area to the Visitors Center at the park and intersects with the South Slough Trail.

Fort Stevens State Park  Click here to review trail maps and tips for visiting this location. A few areas at the Park require a Day-Use pass ($5 per vehicle): Coffenbury Lake, Ranger Station and the Historic Area. Stop by the ranger station or visitor kiosk for a park map, or click here to download.

* There are 9 miles of paved bicycle/walking paths and 6 miles of unpaved hiking trails through this park offering many options to combine or customize for your desired length.
* Coffenbury Lake trail is a 2 mile unimproved path around the lake.
* Combine a few parts of the trails for your own custom route visiting Battery Russell, the Historic Area, the dunes and more.
* The Beach!  There are five parking areas that offer beach access. Vehicles are permitted on the beach so please be aware of your surroundings at all times. Note: During the Jetty Construction project, bicycles are not permitted north of parking lot B. Expect traffic control changes and reduced access to Lots C and D.

Both Astoria and Warrenton have paved, multi-use trails along the Columbia River and other scenic routes.  Note: There are sections of this trail system that use the shoulder of the road or cross roadways. Please be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Warrenton Waterfront Trail has several segments where some are paved and others are unimproved. Click here to access maps of each part.
* Warrenton Water Front is 4.5 miles and stretches between Skipanon River to the Hammond Marina.
* Skipanon River Loop is 2 miles and can be extended with the East Spur Trail which is a 1 mile long there-and-back trail.
* Airport Dike Trail is a 2.2 mile there-and-back trail. Parking to access this trail is located near the Lewis and Clark Bridge.

Astoria Riverwalk Trail is 6 miles from the beginning at the Port of Astoria to Tongue Point. Mostly paved with a few trestle bridges. With many access points the Trail can be easily broken down and customized for your convenience. Click here for more information.
* 10K option:  From Pier 39, run west, turning around at 3.1 miles at the Trolley Barn (Industry & Hamburg Streets)

Cathedral Tree Trail is a great option if you want to add some elevation to your route. Park at the Astoria Column (Annual parking permit is $5) and head down through the urban forest to the tree and beyond to the lower trailhead on Irving Street. The trail is 1.6 miles one-way. Click here for more information.

Explore trails and paths in Pacific County, Washington!
The Great Columbia Crossing typically begins in Washington State and brings participants across the Astoria-Megler Bridge into Astoria, Oregon. We may not be able to cross the Astoria-Megler Bridge this year, but you can still hit the trails in Washington State.

Fort Columbia State Park Click here to review trail maps and tips for visiting this location. The Park offers 2.5 miles of hiking trails.  Visitors will need a Discover Pass or day-use permit while visiting.
* Canyon Creek Trail is 1.6 mile there and back.
* Scarborough Hill Trail is 1.2 mile loop with a couple of spurs to stretch your distance.

Discovery Trail on Long Beach Peninsula  Click here to review trail maps and tips for visiting this location.  Most of the 8.5 mile trail is paved and there are multiple access points, making it easy for adventurers of any age or skill level. Combine with trails in Cape Disappointment State Park for even more options.