On Your Mark, Get Set ... What The Heck?

Imagine running in a race through the hustling and bustling streets of downtown Portland, Oregon where you are surrounded by thousands of people who look like they are on their way to a Halloween party. You look around, and on your left is what seems to be Brittney Spears chugging along in a flashy neon pink ensemble. On your right is a Minotaur breathing laboriously, expending every ounce of energy as each hoof pounds the pavement. Directly in front of you is a group of colorful clowns keeping stride in their big floppy shoes. Around every bend is another interesting sight to witness; one more creative idea to add to your list of possible Halloween costume ideas for the upcoming year. No, this is not a bad dream … it is the annual Starlight Run through the streets of downtown Portland, Oregon.

The annual Starlight Run has been a marquee event, held in June, in the Portland community for the past 33 years. Desiree Hamilton, of Hamilton Events, has been tasked with organizing this extraordinary race, and recognizes the integral “part that it plays in keeping Portland weird!” Not weird in the disturbing and creepy sense, but more in the unique way that makes something special. Desiree describes the race as a “very family oriented event” and “a fun run for the entire family.” Portland, as a community, has embraced the Starlight Run as Desiree notes that “clubs, groups, neighborhoods and friends gather to participate in the costume contest … and the run.”

This unique and quirky 5k (3.1 miles) race precedes the Portland Rose Festival’s Starlight Parade that follows the same route shortly after dusk. It is the largest 5k race in Portland with approximately 4,000 participants and 150,000 cheering spectators, and growing year after year. Prior to the start of the race, festivities include a costume contest which determines the winners for the following categories: best group costume (5-15 people), best individual costume and best youth costume (age 14 and under). Prizes are awarded to the winners of each category based on the creativity of the costume. For example, past winners have received travel packages, restaurant gift certificates, concert and festival tickets.