Join us for the 4th Annual Run With The Wild, a community-oriented 5K and 10K run/walk that is suitable for individuals of all ages, families, and even dogs! This event will be held along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, starting at the Mark O. Hatfield Trailhead (WEST Entrance) in the beautifully scenic Columbia River Gorge. This trail offers a paved ADA accessible route, allowing for wheelchairs, strollers and breathtaking views along the way.

100% of proceeds from registration, t-shirts, drawing entries, auction items, PledgeReg fundraising and additional donations and affiliated event merch are donated directly to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. We will have a variety of fun activities leading up to the race. Don't miss out on pre-race activities such as facepainting, Smokey Bear meet and greet, silent auction & raffle with tons of amazing prizes!

Show support for your firefighters & their families and have fun doing it!

WHERE: Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail | Mark O. Hatfield WEST Trailhead - 2000 Old Columbia River Dr., Hood River, OR 97031

There are TWO entrances to this trail, as it spans several miles. The event starts at the WEST entrance in Hood River, not the entrance in Mosier! Please plan to park at the DMV Parking Lot in Hood River (600 E. Port Marina Dr., Hood River, OR 97031)to catch the FREE SHUTTLE PROVIDED! Parking is NOT at the event site, so plan to arrive with ample time to take the 8 minute shuttle from the DMV to the event. Just look for the EXPLORE THE GORGE shuttle buses to take you to and from the event! ADDITIONAL PARKING LOTS & SHUTTLE PICKUP AREAS TBA.

WHEN: Saturday, April 11, 2026. FESTIVITIES & CHECK-IN: 08:00AM RUN & WALK: 10:00AM END: 2PM
Early Packet Pick-up Available @ Working Hands on Friday, April 10th from 4:30PM - 7PM. Skip the morning lines by picking up your registration supplies the day before!

WHY: Wildland firefighting is a tremendously hazardous job. Our firefighters are exposed to physical, mental and emotional challenges each and every day in the field while protecting us, our property, and our land. 100% of proceeds from your participation are donated to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. The mission of WFF is to support the families of firefighters who have perished or been injured in the line of duty -- their role during medical emergencies and fatality events cannot be understated. Learn more here: https://www.wffoundation.org/

Please watch the following video to learn more about the Wildland Firefighter Foundation:

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Want to Volunteer?

Please fill out this form ASAP to express interest: Volunteer Sign-Up form

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Fundraising

Upon registration, all participants will receive their own customizable fundraising page - similar to the idea of a “GoFundMe”. This link can be shared with friends & family to raise further funds for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation on your behalf. These donations will be visible and tracked, so you can be proud of the impact you've made!

Teams will also be able to create their own fundraiser page. All individuals on the team will additionally have their own fundraising page. Donations will be tracked on both.

Raise the most money by 9:00AM Pacific Time on April 11th, 2026 & you'll be awarded with a customized firefighter plaque on event day. An award will be presented to the top fundraising individual, as well as the top fundraising team.

Virtual participants are included in this recognition & if awarded, plaque will be mailed free of charge to virtual participant(s).

All raised funds are sent directly to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation!

Happy Fundraising!

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Event Drawing

Enter our drawing to win prizes such as gift cards from local businesses & Wildland Firefighter Foundation merchandise! Drawing entries can be purchased in advance with your registration. Additional entries will be available for purchase on event day. Cash, check, & credit cards accepted.
** Please note we cannot ship items. Winners must be available to pick up locally.
$10 - 1 strip of tickets (5 tickets)
$20 - 3 strips of tickets (15 tickets)

Silent Auction
Silent auction will be held on site at the 5K/10K event. Winners must be available to pick up items locally.

Live Auction
Live auction will be held on site at the 5K/10K event between 9:30 and 9:45. Winners must be available to pick up items locally.

Live Auction Item: Wildland Firefighter Foundation Cooler

Event Drawing & Auction Prizes include:

2 one night stays @ Fairfield Inn by Marriott (The Dalles)
Brewery items courtesy of Double Mountain (Portland, OR)
$250 Gift Certificate courtesy of Danner Boots (Portland, OR)
Two Mountain Radios courtesy of Rocky Talkie (Colorado)
Four adult admission tickets courtesy of Hopscotch Immersive Art (Portland, OR)
Items courtesy of Crazy Creek (Red Lodge, Montana)
Private Winery Tour & Tasting courtesy of Willamette Valley Vineyards (Turner, OR)
SP2 Running Belt courtesy of Tune Belt (Cincinatti, OH)
Gift Certificate courtesty of Shoe Mill (Portland, OR)
Mini Strap Pack courtesy of NRS (Moscow, ID)
Multiple hats & headwrap items courtesy of Territory Run Co. (Portland, OR)
Admission Tickets to the World Forestry Museum (Portland, OR)
Distillery Tour for four courtesy of Westward Whiskey (Portland, OR)
$75 Gift Card courtesy of Squak
Lightweight & Ultralight Explorer kits courtesy of Cascade First Aid (White Salmon, WA)
3 Gift Certificates for a pair of free shoes courtesy of Native Shoes (Vancouver, BC)
Tasting & Food Pairing for four courtesy of Dobbes Family Winery (Dundee, OR)
Goodie basket including wine & tasting for four courtesy of Laurel Ridge Winery (Carlton, OR)
Signature Tour & Tasting Gift Certificate courtesy of Domaine Serene Vineyards & Winery (Dayton, OR)
Wine tasting for four courtesy of Marchesi Vineyards (Hood River, OR)
Raffle item courtesy of Swan Island Dahlias (Canby, OR)
Tasting for eight courtesy of Maryhill Winery
Men's Trail Running shoes courtesy of LOWA
Women's Trail Running shoes courtesy of LOWA
Gift Basket courtesy of Backwoods Brewing (Carson, WA)
Prize bundle courtesy of TREW Gear (Portland, OR)
Two Magnum Rose Wines courtesy of Bethel Heights Vineyard (Oregon)
Case of wine courtesy of Gran Moraine Winery (Yamhill, OR)
Four Wines & Tasting for two courtesy of Alit Wines (Dundee, OR)
Three One-Gallon Perennials courtesy of Al's Garden & Home (Oregon)
Eight $25 Gift Cards courtesy of Running Warehouse
Gift Card & Hat courtesy of Everybody's Brewing (White Salmon, WA)
Mint Baja & Sunrise Towels courtesy of Sand Cloud (San Diego, CA)
Tickets for four courtesy of Enchanted Forest (Salem, OR)
$50 Gift Card courtesy of Top Golf
$100 Gift Card, Backpack, 3 pairs of socks & Sticker Pack courtesy of Primal Wear (Denver, CO)
$50 Gift Card courtesy of McMenamin's
Sightseeing Tour - tickets for two courtesy of Portland Spirit
Two $20 Gift Cards courtesy of Tea Loft (Portland, OR)
$50 Gift card courtesy of Itty Bitty Thrifts (Hood River, OR)
Ski Pole Plunger Set courtesy of Grass Sticks (Steamboat Springs, CO)
Prize bundle courtesy of Pfriem Family Brewers (Hood River, OR)
Hot Air Balloon Trip for Two courtesy of Vista Balloon Adventures (Newburg, OR)
Tasting for Four courtesy of Brooks Wine (Amity, OR)
Tasting for Four & Wine courtesy of Varnum Vintners (Amity, OR)
Prize basket courtesy of Trader Joe's (Gresham, OR)
Prize bundle ($25 Gift Card, 6pack of beer, tote bag, hat, etc.) courtesy of Full Sail brewing (Hood River, OR)
Four admission tickets to OMSI (Portland, OR)
One-night Stay courtesy of Skamania Lodge (Stevenson, WA)
Prize courtesy of Wild Camp Goods (Vancouver, WA)
… and more to come! Check back for regular prize updates.

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Route Information

Difficulty: Easy Total Ascent: 115-200 FT

Factors: Mainly flat course. Non-technical pavement with a gentle grade. Mild weather conditions for April, but high winds are common in the Columbia River Gorge.

Clothing:

Road or trail running shoes, hat and gloves, warm layers. Be prepared for spring weather and wind! We will have a coat check to check any items you do not plan to run/walk with.

Training:

We recommend training on pavement or gravel trails with gentle rolling sections.

Time Limit:

This course has a soft 1.5-2 hour time limit to make sure everyone who uses the shuttle can make it back before the end of shuttle hours. This equals about 29:00 min/mile pace for the 5K and about a 14:30 min/mile pace for the 10K. Walkers are welcome!

Route Description:

This location is a local favorite—scenic, peaceful, and full of breathtaking views! You’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the Columbia River and the Columbia Gorge the entire time. The race is an out and back starting at the trailhead.

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Additional Notes
Plan to purchase T-SHIRTS here - very limited quantity will be available on event day!
TIMEKEEPING: This is a no-chip event. We will not have a timekeeping system in place. Please plan to track your own time.

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Any questions?
Don't hesitate to contact us! Email: [email protected]
Please share & follow on social media

INSTAGRAM: @run.withthewild
FACEBOOK: Run With The Wild 5K

WEBSITE: www.runwiththewild.com

Want to join our event coordination team? Send us an email
here.
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Thank you to our sponsors for their donations. Their contributions help to make this event possible.

Check out all 2026 SPONSORS listed here !
Want to be a sponsor? Click here.

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* No refunds will be provided after purchase, all funds will be donated to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.