5K races near Gaston

Runtoberfest is a fall-themed 5K run/walk in McMinnville, beginning and ending at McMinnville High School’s Wortman Stadium. The event includes a Kid’s Mile for children 12 and under, designed for families and regular runners alike. The race supports the McMinnville Education Foundation, with runners selecting a school affiliation during registration. One Mac 40 school will receive the Golden Shoe Trophy, adding a school-spirit element beyond the 5K. Walkers have a separate start before the main race, accommodating mixed-pace groups and first-time participants.

The 1st Annual Run for Resilience Ostomy 5K is a 5K held in Portland, Oregon's Laurelhurst Park for Ostomy Awareness Day. It is a family-friendly run with an OPEN Division and an OSTOMATE Division. This allows ostomates to select a dedicated category while friends, relatives, coworkers, and other supporters can participate in the same event. The race also features local vendors, food, music, and activities suitable for all ages. The course is set within Laurelhurst Park, a historic Portland park established over a century ago, featuring elements such as Firwood Lake. All proceeds benefit United Ostomy Associations of America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers resources, education, advocacy, and support for individuals living with an ostomy or continent diversion. Participants have the option to form race groups or teams, fundraise individually or as teams, and may receive a registration refund by raising a minimum of $150.

The Candy Cane 5K Dash takes place in December at St. Patrick School in Meridian, Mississippi. The race begins at 2700 Davis Street at 8:30 a.m. Participants can choose a 5K run or walk, and a 1 Mile Fun Run is available for children and families. The event is organized around the school. Packet pickup occurs at St. Patrick School on the Friday before the race. Registered participants who sign up by the shirt deadline receive a race shirt. Awards are presented to the top male and female finishers overall, winners in age groups from 10-and-under to 70-plus, and the top male and female walkers.

The Couve Clover Run is a St. Patrick’s-style run and walk in downtown Vancouver, Washington, held annually on the weekend after the Shamrock Run. Participants wear festive green for a choice of 1, 3, 7, or 10 miles. The shorter options are accessible to walkers, families, and runners seeking a shorter effort. The 3-mile walk is untimed, and the Lucky Leap 1-mile walk offers participants the same shirt, medal, food, and beverages as longer-distance runners. Why Racing Events hosts the race, which raises money for local charities. The route is mostly flat with a couple of short hills, described as a fast course. The longer courses pass through recognizable Vancouver locations, including historic Officer’s Row, Fort Vancouver, and the Columbia Riverfront. Medals, T-shirts, free beer, pint glasses from Main Event, and a post-race party with downtown Vancouver pubs and breweries are part of the event. Fleet Feet Sports PDX has hosted packet pickup and provided staff and ambassadors on race day, contributing to the event’s local, community-run feel.