Great Columbia Crossing

FAQs

When can I register for this great event?

Registration opens July 1, 2012 and closes when a capacity of 3,000 participants is reached. We encourage all participants to register online. If you register online, you will immediately receive an email confirmation. Please check the address and other information (shirt size, age, etc.) to be sure it is correct. Send corrections to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Please bring the confirmation notice with during the packet pick-up. * NO DAY OF RACE REGISTRATION *

Can I get a refund if I can’t attend the Great Columbia Crossing?

There are no refunds for any purchases made associated with the Great Columbia Crossing. Registration is non-transferrable.

When can I get my packet?

Packet pick up begins Friday, September 21, 2012 at the Astoria Warrenton Chamber of Commerce. Packets will be available during business hours (open daily 9 am – 5 pm) at 111 West Marine Drive in Astoria. Packet pick-up is also available at the Port of Astoria (foot of Basin Street) from 6am – 7am before the race on October 2. (Pick-up is NOT AVAILBLE at the Port of Chinook).

Why do you need my age if I’m registering as a runner?

All runners are being time individually and we will announce the top three winners in each age and gender category at the end of the race. If you are not at the ceremony, you will be responsible for picking up any award.

Age groups and categories for men and women will include 15 categories: 19-under; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40- 44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; 80- 84; 85-89; 90 & over. The number of awards is based on the number of participants in each category.

What happens if I’m hurt along the course?

We will have emergency medical technicians placed along the race route and at all of the mile marker locations on the bridge. There are also several law enforcement officers patrolling the route during the entire event who can respond to any emergency situation with lights and sirens. An ambulance is staged at the ODOT headquarters at the base of the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

If I sign up to walk can I be timed during the event?

No. You must sign up as a “runner,” even if you plan to walk, if you want to be timed.

Will there be timers along the course?

There will be volunteers at each mile marker who can alert you of the time as you pass.

How long does the course stay open?

The Astoria-Megler Bridge is only open to participants from 9 am – 11 am. If you cannot cross the bridge within the two hour time limit, you will be picked up by a “sweeper” bus. The finish line will stay in place until the last participant crosses the line.

Where can I park on race day?

Parking is available at the Port of Astoria and the Port of Chinook. If you park in Astoria, follow traffic signs to Portway Street and then flaggers will direct drivers to the correct parking lot. Participants, in Astoria, who arrive later, will have to park farther away from the shuttle bus site which is also next to the finish line.

• Do not attempt to drop off participants or watch participants begin the race at the start line at Dismal Nitch. Space is limited and we need to keep the road open for buses transporting 3,000 participants.

How do I find the best spot to watch my friend/family in the event?

We will have bleachers set up at the finish line at the foot of Basin Street in Astoria. Parking is available off Portway Street & Hamburg Street – follow traffic signs and flaggers will direct you to the correct parking spot.

Where can I buy professional event photos?

Evan Pilchik Photography will be snapping shots at several points along the scenic course. The photos will be available to view and purchase on his website after the event at http://www.myEPevents.com.

When and where can I spend my “Clam Bucks?”

Each participant receives 5 “Clam Bucks” which are redeemable towards a $5 purchase at participating Astoria Warrenton Chamber of Commerce businesses. We will post a list of the participating businesses as we get closer to the event. The “Clam Bucks” are valid the weekend of the event from Friday, September 28 – Sunday, September 30.

How much does the Great Columbia Crossing 10K raise for non-profit organizations?

The Astoria Warrenton Chamber of Commerce encourages support of local organizations that are providing great services to our community. These groups enhance our community and provide a support system that allows a strong and successful business atmosphere.

In 2011, a portion of the proceeds from the Great Columbia Crossing will directly benefit physical education in the local elementary schools. We want to support the students and educators in our community, so they are able to offer physical education at school. Donations will be made to the following schools and you can make an additional online contribution to the school of your choice by clicking on the links provided below:

• John Jacob Astor Elementary School
• Hilda Lahti Elementary School
• Warrenton Grade School
• Naselle-Grays River Valley Schools

The Astoria Warrenton Chamber of Commerce made the following donations to local schools to enhance physical education:
• $500 John Jacob Astor Elementary School
• $500 Hilda Lahti Elementary School
• $500 Warrenton Grade School
• $500 Naselle School

The Astoria Warrenton Chamber of Commerce also made the following donations for their generous donation of time and services during the Great Columbia Crossing:

• Astoria Downtown Historic District Association
• Astoria High School Band
• Warrenton High School Cross Country Team
• Warrenton Sunrise Rotary
• Warrenton Volunteer Firefighters Association

Am I eligible? What is the age limit to participate?

The Great Columbia Crossing 10K run/walk is a fun event for the entire family. It is an event enjoyed by amateurs and skilled athletes.
Only children 8 – 17 years old will be allowed to register as a participant. However, every minor must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the event. Children younger than 8 will be allowed to run/walk with a parent and/or guardian – they will be issued a “kid bib” before getting on a shuttle bus.

IMPORTANT: A visible bib number, included in your packet, is required to load a shuttle bus and also checked as participants begin to cross the bridge! If you are caught with a fraudulent bib or without a bib, you can be cited and banned from future Great Columbia Crossing events.

Questions? .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) .

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Thank you to our sponsors!
Astoria Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce
2010-2011 President’s Circle

Event Sponsors
Pacific Power 2010 & 2011 Great Columbia Crossing 10k run/walk
Safeway 2011 Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival
Clatsop Community Bank 2010 Annual Banquet

Platinum Level Sponsors
Columbia Memorial Hospital
Coast River Business Journal
Fred Meyer
Georgia Pacific
Holiday Inn Express
Sunset Empire Transportation District
Wadsworth Electric

Gold Level Sponsors
Bank of Astoria
Columbia River Bar Pilots
Gimre’s Shoes/New Balance
LEKTRO
Medix
P&L Johnson Mechanical
Warrenton Auto & Marine Repair
Wauna Federal Credit Union
Wet Dog Cafe

Silver Level Sponsors
Englund Marine
NW Natural
Oregon LNG
Pig ‘n Pancake Restaurant
State Senator Betsy Johnson
Western Oregon Waste

Bronze Level Sponsors
Anchor Graphics
City Lumber
Ocean Beaty
The Ship Inn
Suzanne Elise Assisted Living Center
Teevin Bros. Land & Timber
Youngs Bay Plaza

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