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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 28, 2017)
2 // COASTWEEKEND.COM The Great Columbia Crossing cometh The Great Columbia Crossing 10K run/walk is coming up Sunday, Oct. 15. Make sure you get the opportunity to experience the Astoria Bridge on foot and register to participate in this annual event. “The Astoria-Megler Bridge is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America and such a wonderful icon for resi- dents and visitors alike,” said Kelsey Balensifer, event coordinator for the Astoria-Warrenton Cham- ber of Commerce. “This 4.1-mile bridge was the last link in U.S. Highway 101 running from northern Washington to southern California, and it has served to connect our com- munity to the world.” This 10K offers a scenic adventure on a fairly flat road with one steep incline to the peak of the bridge. Whether you’re an expe- rienced runner or look- ing for a family-friendly event, the Great Columbia Prices, perks and merch PHOTO BY JOSHUA BESSEX Gregorio Moreno, left, and Natalie Sahnow, right, run along the Astoria Bridge during The Great Columbia Crossing 10K race in 2015. Sahnow was the first female finisher of the race. Crossing 10K appeals to everyone. The Great Columbia Crossing 10K run is an Of- ficial USA Track & Field Certified Event. Competi- tors can choose to be timed with an electronic chip and will be given a separate start time from walkers. Participants are re- quired to register in advance and registration will close when the event reaches capacity of 3,500 participants. For safety reasons, no bags are al- lowed on the race course. Every year, the Great Columbia Crossing offers a long-sleeve event t-shirt featuring new original art- work designed specifically for the event. The 2017 artwork shows the bridge span on the northern end for a different look at this historic structure. The Great Columbia Crossing is hosted by the chamber and sponsored by the Columbia Memorial Hospital Cardiology Clinic. Registration is $40. Optional add-ons include an electronic timing device ($5) and long-sleeve t-shirt ($15 to $17). Registration includes free parking with shuttle bus service to start of race from the Port of Astoria or the Port of Chinook in Washing- ton; bib number (required to board shuttle and access bridge); light snacks at the finish line; five “Clam Bucks” worth $1 each that can be redeemed at partici- pating chamber businesses Thursday, Oct. 12, through Wednesday, Oct. 18. A once-a-year opportu- nity to run or walk across the Astoria Bridge. Volunteer For this event, the chamber relies on volun- teers filling roughly 80 shifts over four days. Vol- unteers help with several duties, from packet pickup and race course set-up, to shuttle bus loading and dis- tributing water at the finish line. Anyone interested in being a part of the team can sign up to volunteer at greatcolumbiacrossing. com. For more information, visit the website, call 503- 325-6311 or 800-875-6807, email events@oldoregon. com, or drop by the cham- ber in person at 111 West Marine Drive in Astoria. For information about the region and local lodging options, check out travelastoria.com. Engage in some floor play at Arts & Movement Center SUBMITTED PHOTO ASTORIA — The Astoria Arts & Move- ment Center (342 10th St.) presents the follow- ing dance opportunities in October. • Beginning Ballroom, Salsa and East Coast Swing — a three-week series: 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 10, 17 and 24. The series costs $40 per person; $15 per person is the drop-in rate. • Beginning level West Coast Swing — a three-week series: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 10, 17 and 24. This series is $40 per person, $15 per person for drop-ins.
