Race for the Roses Half Marathon/10K/5K to Benefit Albertina Kerr

The race is on. Race for the Roses is scheduled for Sunday, April 11.

Salem-News.com

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Close to 5,000 runners and walkers will participate in the upcoming 12th Annual Race for the Roses. Three courses—5K, 10K and half marathon—show off the city's most vibrant sights.

The race begins and ends on April 11th at the Oregon Convention Center, with the half marathon beginning at 7 a.m., the 10K at 7:20 a.m. and the 5K at 7:35 a.m. Every registrant gets a tech shirt, and roses are awarded to every finisher.

All participants will also have the opportunity to have a free photo taken at our finisher's photo booth after the race.

Racers of all paces are welcome to join the trek. The course will stay open to accomodate a pace of 12-15 minutes per mile.

The city of Portland restricts ALL running/walking events to this timetable to be considerate of commuters, residents and retailers as well as event organizers.

If you are unable to keep this pace you will be asked to continue the race on the sidewalk for your safety.

Awards will be given to Overall Male & Female and Overall Masters Male & Female of both the 5K and Half Marathon. The top three males and females in each age division will also receive awards. Awards must be picked up at the event, they will not be mailed.

Don't feel up for the run? Organizers say volunteers are needed to help with aid stations, course monitoring and more.

Family and friends Re welcome to cheer on runners and walkers. Some great places for viewing are:

• 21st and Front Street
• Front Street near the Waterfront
• SW Broadway, anywhere between Harrison and Stark

Albertina Kerr's race began more than 100 years ago and is just as urgent today. Every day Albertina Kerr helps children, families and adults in Oregon who face mental health challenges and developmental disabilities, empowering them to lead fuller, self-determined lives.

Albertina Kerr spends 91 cents of every dollar to help Oregonians. Community support makes this vital work possible.

Runners and Walkers, be on the lookout this year for the Oregon Convention Center's Sustainability Stations that will be sorting paper, plastic, cans, glass and compost. Volunteers will also be hand collecting safety pins to reuse for 2011's race.

Registration is available online at www.race4theroses.org and in person at Fit Right Northwest locations. For more information, visit www.race4theroses.org or call (503) 262-0175.

SHARE YOUR RUN! Email us photos from any of the runs underway, and you'll be a part of a special montage celebrating this event. Email photos to: newsroom@Salem-News.com