Cherry Blossom Run & Ninja Race

Does a chorus of choregographed drumming get you energized to run? The 2nd Annual Cherry Blossom Run is about to go down. Another beautiful 5k run/walk under the cherry blossoms at the Oregon Capitol Mall. The course simply cruises around the Capitol Mall, Willson Park, WWII Memorial and returns for a lap under the blossoms on the mall to the beat of the Japanese taiko drummers. It is spring, and it's time to get pumped up! 

Race the ninja!  Yes, a ninja has signed on to race this 5K. He has booked his flight and been training hard.  If you finish within 30 places of the ninja, you receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a bottle of premium Japanese saké. Anyone who can beat the ninja wins an extra ticket.  Take your picture with him after the race...if you can find him.

Kids Race: There will be a 1/2 mile race for kids aged 6 and under (that are not entering the 5k). This race is free. To enter the free kids race, parents just need to sign the waiver at the registration desk. Kids who want to run the 5k course need to sign up normally on this website.

Hand-made awards for the top 3 men and women overall, and top 3 male and female masters. There are no age-group awards this time so that we can go straight to the raffle and be done in time for the official Cherry Blossom Festival kick-off.

The Cherry Blossom Festival continues from 10am after the race with various displays, vendors, and performances. This is the perfect time to get your picnic together and enjoy the only State Park in central Salem. 

The event is sponsored by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the State Capitol, and fostering cultural and educational opportunities. The Cherry Blossom Festival accomplishes these, with a Cherry City celebration of all things cherry, and Japan, the country that gifted the Capitol Mall's cherry blossom trees.

Here is the fine print: No refunds or transfers. Sign up early for best prices. Strollers are welcome but please leave dogs at home.  $15-20 per person in advance. $30 on the day of the race.

Here is the schedule:

8:00-8:45  Bib pickup and late registration

8:55           1k kids race for ages 6 and under (free) Parents just need to sign the waiver.

9:05           5k race start.

9:45         Quick awards announcements for overall winners. Overall times to be posted at www.RuninSalem.com in the evening.

10:00         Festival Opening