FAQs
Click the questions below to reveal detailed answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
General
The 2024 Great Columbia Crossing 10K will take place in-person on the morning Sunday, October 13, 2024. The race starts at 8:45 a.m. Participants will need to be in line for the shuttles by 7:00 a.m. on Race Day. Shuttles will run from locations in both Astoria, Oregon, and Chinook, Washington, to the Starting Line at Dismal Nitch, Washington.
The event is typically held on the second Sunday in October. Anticipated upcoming dates are:
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Sunday, October 11, 2026
In-person registration is limited to 3,500 participants. A Virtual 10K option is also available.
We keep a very tight schedule on race day to ensure our event starts and finishes on time, per our agreement with the Oregon and Washington State Departments of Transportation, and other permitting organizations. We ask that you familiarize yourself with our Schedule of Events and arrive on time. You risk missing the race if you arrive too late on race day.
Participants start at Dismal Nitch Rest Area in Washington. They head southwest on Washington State Route 401 toward US-101/Oregon Coast Hwy. Participants turn left onto US-101/Oregon Coast Hwy, cross the Astoria-Megler Bridge and make a left onto US-101/W Marine Drive. They turn left and head through the parking lot near Basin Street and follow arrows west to the Astoria Riverwalk. Participants stay on the Riverwalk and then turn right onto Hamburg Street, right on Gateway and then go straight to the Finish Line at the foot of Basin Street!
Check out the Course Map for a visual representation of the course.
The Great Columbia Crossing 10K course is USATF certified: # OR22006JH
The Astoria-Megler Bridge is only open to participants from the race start at 8:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. This means participants have roughly two hours to travel about 5.2 miles of the 6.2-mile course, as the final mile of the race takes place on city streets after exiting the bridge.
If you cannot cross the bridge within the two-hour time limit, you will be picked-up by a “sweeper bus" at 10:45 a.m. This is necessary to ensure the bridge can reopen to vehicle traffic promptly at 11 a.m. The finish line will stay in place until 11:30 a.m. All participants MUST finish the event course by that time.
Those who sign up for this event should be able to sustain a walking pace of 3 mph (1 mile in 20 minutes) for the duration of the course.
The uphill portion of the bridge is a little more than 3,250 feet, which is about .61 of a mile. The hill starts about 3.9 miles into the race. The bridge crest is about 4.5 miles into the race. The grade of the hill is 5.62%, or a little less than a 4° slope.
Every registered in-person participant will receive 5 to 10 wooden tokens known as Clam Bucks, each worth $1 and can be spent just like cash. Redeem your Clam Bucks at a variety of participating chamber member businesses in our area during race week!
Please visit our Clam Bucks page for a list of participating businesses and instructions on how to use Clam Bucks.
The weather in October can be fickle. Some years, we've had the pleasure of running and walking under brilliant blue skies and sun. Other years, we've experienced downpours and heavy winds. Plan for the worst and hope for the best, but know that the race will still take place, rain or shine, as long as it is deemed safe for our team and participants.
You can find a list of area lodgings on our Travel Astoria tourism website.
Visit our Event Parking and Shuttles webpage to find lodging near event parking & shuttle stops.
Check out our Travel Astoria tourism website for area information, or peruse our chamber member event calendar for ideas. Make plans to spend your Clam Bucks at participating local businesses.
Virtual 10K participants can run their own course at their own pace and post their times to the results page during the week of the in-person event.
Show-off your well-earned finisher medal on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #GreatColumbiaCrossing.
Virtual 10K participants do not qualify to win overall or age group awards. A bib from the Virtual 10K will not grant access onto the bridge for the in-person race.
Please visit the Virtual 10K page for more information. Virtual 10K registration closes a month before the in-person event to allow time for shipping these materials to our virtual participants.
Your patience on race morning is greatly appreciated. There will be heavy traffic crossing the bridge early in the morning, as our shuttles to the starting area begin at 6:30 a.m. from three locations in Astoria, OR and one in Chinook, WA. Return trips to parking areas will operate until 11:30 a.m. More info here.
Starting at 8:30 a.m., the Astoria-Megler Bridge will be CLOSED to all vehicle traffic, to allow the race to start promptly at 8:45 a.m. The bridge will reopen to regular traffic at 11:00 a.m. Washington HWY 401 will also be closed during the start of the race while participants leave the starting area heading for the bridge.
Members of the local community should plan ahead and make alternate travel plans for race morning. If you need to cross the river that day, consider changing your trip schedule to cross the bridge prior to the closure or after the closure. We appreciate the assistance and coordination from the many agencies that provide traffic control, security and safety for the event.
Registration
Please visit our Registration page for more information. Registration opens the summer prior to the event.
When you register online through GetMeRegistered, you should receive a registration confirmation via email after you have successfully registered for the event.
If you already registered but have not received a confirmation email, check your junk and spam folders to see if the confirmation was delivered there. If not, you can confirm your registration at this link.
If you are still having trouble, please call 503-325-6311 or email events@oldoregon.com for further assistance.
- Go to the Great Columbia Crossing 10K Registration page.
- Scroll down to select "Current Registered Participant Add-on Options" and select desired add-on.
- $15.00 Add Shirt
- $15.00 Add Mailing of Packet
- $20.00 Add Race Day Packet Pickup
- Provide your transaction number (starting with letter Q).
- Follow the prompts to proceed to checkout.
We need your gender and date of birth so we can assign you to the appropriate race category.
We will recognize the top three overall male and female finishers; the top overall male and female Masters finishers (40 years and older); and top three male and female finishers in each age group. Age groups will include: 14 & under, 15-19; 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 & over.
The race bib you are provided with is unique to YOU based on the information you provide when you register. Do not switch your race bib with someone. All paid in-person race participants will be timed individually by Eclectic Edge Racing.
The Great Columbia Crossing 10K is a fun option for the entire family. It is an event enjoyed by both amateurs and skilled athletes. All ages are welcome to register for the event.
All in-person participants of any age must register in advance.
- Participants 10 years of age and older (as of race day) must pay the registration fee to participate in the event. This paid registration option includes chip timing.
- Participants under 10 years of age (as of race day) must be registered as the "Free Child 10K Run/Walk" option. This registration option does NOT include chip timing.
- Every minor (age 17 and under) must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times during the event.
The Great Columbia Crossing 10K is thankful to have the opportunity to host international participants at our event, and we're happy to help make your race day and visit to Astoria-Warrenton a pleasant experience for you.
If you experience issues with your registration, such as difficulties entering credit card, phone number, or mailing address information, please contact service@getmeregistered.com and include events@oldoregon.com for further assistance.
If you want to have your race packet mailed to you prior to race day, please email events@oldoregon.com for details on international shipping costs.
If you are visiting the area and would like to learn more about lodging and travel ideas, visit our Travel Astoria tourism website for area information, or peruse our chamber member event calendar for ideas.
If you need further assistance, call our Visitor Center at +1 (503) 325-6311 for more information about our region.
Unfortunately, no, we do not offer discounts for Great Columbia Crossing 10K registration.
The Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization. There are significant costs to hosting a race of this size and our registration fees are determined based on the inherent cost-per-participant.
If you find that you cannot make it to the in-person race, you have the option to transfer your in-person registration to another runner/walker. 10K Run/Walk transfers are allowed until mid-September when race bib numbers are assigned.
Alternatively, you can switch from 10K Run/Walk registration to Virtual 10K Run/Walk until September 3rd, when Virtual 10K registration closes.
Email our race director at events@oldoregon.com to process your transfer request.
We do not keep a registration waitlist, so are unable to facilitate a transfer to an individual you do not know.
You can switch from 10K Run/Walk registration to Virtual 10K Run/Walk until September 3rd, when Virtual 10K registration closes.
Email our race director at events@oldoregon.com for help processing your request.
Unfortunately, we have a strict "No Refund" policy. All purchases and sales are 100% final. There are no exceptions.
We do, however, offer a registration transfer option, for those who cannot attend and would like to transfer their registration to someone else. See answer to "What if I choose not to participate? Can I transfer my registration?" above.
In the unlikely event of cancellation, refunds will not be issued. The majority of Great Columbia Crossing 10K's costs are processed prior to race day. As a nonprofit 501(c)(6), we would not have sufficient funds to absorb expenses due to an event cancellation. In our event’s 42 years, we have only had one cancellation due to a high wind warning.
The Great Columbia Crossing 10K is a fundraiser for the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, allowing us to continue hosting this event year after year and continue providing ongoing services to the local economy.
By supporting our event, you are supporting the Astoria-Warrenton community. This event directly gives back to our community by:
1) employing/hiring/utilizing chamber members and local businesses for event logistics, supplies and services; and
2) giving donations to area nonprofits in exchange for services provided during the event.
The Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 nonprofit, not a 501(c)3 nonprofit, so there is no charitable tax deduction for any contributions/payments to our organization.
Race Packets
Your race packet includes the materials you need to participate in the race. The most important item in your packet is your race bib, which grants you access to board the shuttle bus to the starting line. Every race participant must wear their race bib visibly on their topmost layer of clothing at all times during the event.
You are responsible for your race bib and we will not issue replacements. Participants without a race bib WILL NOT be allowed on a shuttle bus and WILL NOT be allowed to participate in the 10K. If you are caught with a fraudulent bib, a bib for the Virtual 10K, or without a bib, you will be cited and banned from future Great Columbia Crossing events.
Race packets include:
* unique bib number with timing chip (no chip for free child registrants)
* safety pins
* 5-10 Clam Bucks to spend at participating local businesses
* race day reminders card
* long sleeve t-shirt (if purchased)
Children under age 10 who registered as a free participant must also pick up a race packet. Child 10K bibs do not contain a timing chip.
When you register for the race, you will be asked to select a packet pickup time or opt to have your race packet mailed to you. Choose whichever option works best for your schedule and budget.
Packet Pickup: Packets will be available for pickup in-person at the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce (111 W Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103) in the days leading up to the race.
At packet pickup, volunteers will ask you to provide the following information:
- Correct spelling of your first & last name (as provided in your registration)
- City where you live (as provided in your registration)
This year’s packet pickup times are as follows:
- Thursday, Oct. 10: 12 to 6 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 11: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 12: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 12: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- RACE DAY, Sunday, Oct. 13: 6 to 7 a.m.
If possible, we recommend picking up your packet on Thursday or Friday when lines are shorter. Those picking up Thursday or Friday will receive an additional 5 Clam Bucks (worth $1 each) to spend at participating local businesses.
*Please note that there will be an additional $20 convenience fee if you choose to pick-up your packet the morning of the race, Sunday (10/13), near the Basin Street shuttle loading area.
Mail: Skip the packet pickup line and have your race packet mailed to you for $15 (must select this option by September 3rd). If you opt for packet mailing, there is no requirement to attend packet pickup, and you will receive an additional 5 Clam Bucks (worth $1) to spend at participating local businesses. Your race packet will leave our chamber office via USPS by September 25th.
Please note that we are not able to bundle shipping fee for multiple packets sent to the same address. Packet mailing is per registrant, not per order.
You may pick up a packet for a friend and/or family member. If you are part of a group, please consider sending one representative to packet pickup to get packets for all group members.
If picking up on someone else’s behalf, we will ask you to provide the following information for each fellow participant:
- Correct spelling of the participant’s first & last name (as provided in their registration)
- City where the participant lives (as provided in their registration)
- Your first & last name (to note that you picked up on their behalf)
You are responsible for your race packet (race bib, etc.) and we will not issue replacements.
That being said - If you selected packet mailing and have not received your race packet (race bib, etc.) via USPS by the Wednesday before the race, please call us at 503-325-6311. If you are missing your bib due to a failed mail delivery, we can track your shipment and issue a bib replacement.
Parking/Shuttles
Parking is available for the event in both Astoria, Oregon and Chinook, Washington. Follow traffic signs and traffic control personnel to the correct parking lot on race morning.
We have four locations in Astoria for participants to catch a shuttle to the starting area and one in Chinook, Washington. See descriptions and a coordinating map on this dedicated page, to choose the option best suited to you.
From these designated locations, a shuttle will transport you to the starting line at the Dismal Nitch Rest Area.
DO NOT attempt to drop off participants or watch participants begin the race at the starting line at Dismal Nitch Rest Area. All participants MUST take the shuttles to the starting line. Space is limited at the rest area, and we need to keep the road open for buses transporting 3,500 participants.
Return shuttle service loads from the Basin Street shuttle stop.
Return shuttle service to Astoria parking lots (East Mooring Basin, Astoria High School, Bayside, and CMH Field) will operate from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Return shuttle service to the Port of Chinook (Washington) will leave at 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (after the Astoria-Megler Bridge reopens)
What Can I Bring?
Starting this year, each participant is allowed to bring one bag with dimensions no larger than 12" x 12" x 6". Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items or single compartment diaper bags (child must be present). Prepare your race items accordingly. For participant safety, your bag will be subject to search. Our bag policy is enforced by local law enforcement.
We also offer an optional Gear Check service for you to check your coats or other warm-up gear. More details listed below.
The “Gear Check” service allows you to check your sweatshirts, jackets and anything else you don't want to carry during the race in a plastic sack (provided by "Gear Check") labeled with your unique bib number. When you arrive at the starting line area, you can find the “Gear Check” truck located at the east end of the Dismal Nitch Rest Area, past the portable restrooms. We are not responsible for any lost items.
We will shuttle the sacks across the river, and they will be available for pick up near the finish line. Gear Check items must be turned in before 8:10 a.m. at the starting area because the Gear Check truck must depart by 8:15 a.m. to get across the bridge before it is closed to traffic.
Any gear not picked up at the finish line by 11:30 a.m. will be transported to our Visitor Center office (111 West Marine Drive, Astoria). Items not claimed within 30 days will be donated to a local charity.
We encourage you to bring your own water bottle. Fill up beforehand and replenish your water bottle at water stations at the starting line, Basin Street parking lot, and finish line areas.
We strongly discourage you from bringing a glass water bottle. Please bring plastic or metal water bottles.
Running armbands and waistbelts are allowed on the course.
A running armband that functions solely as a key or phone case can be worn in addition to your one 12” x 12” x 6” bag.
A running waistbelt, since it more closely resembles a fanny pack, which is a type of bag, will be counted as your one 12" x 12" x 6" bag.
Yes, assistive walking devices like canes or trekking poles are allowed on the course.
No dogs/pets are allowed on the course. Service animals are trained working animals, NOT pets. If you will be accompanied by a service animal, please email events@oldoregon.com or call 503-325-6311 before the race to make arrangements beforehand.
Failure to comply with any of our rules or official instructions will result in expulsion from future AWACC events.
If you or a loved one needs special accommodation on the shuttle or course (ADA accessibility, use of wheelchair, etc.), please contact us at events@oldoregon.com to let us know. We want to ensure you have the best possible Great Columbia Crossing experience, but we need your help to do so.
ADA lift shuttles will operate from the Basin Street Shuttle Stop ONLY. These accessible buses leave at two specific times: 7:10 and 7:40 a.m.
A limited amount of handicap parking is accessible via Hamburg Ave. Please show your handicap placard to traffic control personnel to access the handicap parking area.
Yes! Strollers are allowed.
If you have a collapsible stroller, you are welcome to load a shuttle at any shuttle stop location.
If you have an oversized stroller, please make your way to the Basin Street Shuttle Stop to use the stroller shuttle. The stroller shuttle makes only two trips, leaving Basin Street at 7:00 and 7:30 a.m.
Participants with strollers are encouraged to start in the back of the pack to keep the course clear for competitive runners. Please line up appropriately for your pace.
No vehicles or sport devices of any type are allowed on the course.
We understand that many runners enjoy listening to music while they run, so earbuds/headphones are allowed at the race. However, keep in mind that you will still need to hear race announcements for your safety, so please keep the volume of your music low enough so you can still hear what is happening around you.
Leave the drone at home! NO DRONES/UAS ARE ALLOWED.
This restriction is in place for both participants AND spectators. The majority of the course is located in a FAA NO DRONE ZONE.
We also want to keep all participants safe from potential falling hazard as the wind and weather conditions can be unpredictable on our course.
Failure to comply with any of our rules or official instructions will result in expulsion from future AWACC events.
Racecourse Amenities
You will find 39 portable restrooms, 4 ADA restrooms, and hand-washing sinks at the starting line at Dismal Nitch Rest Area.
There are roughly 12 portable restrooms with hand-washing sinks at the finish line at the Port of Astoria.
There will also be a portable restroom available at a gravel pullout area on the Washington side along WA SR-401, and a couple portable restrooms provided by ODOT at mile marker #3 on the Astoria-Megler bridge, for mid-race bathroom emergencies. We are not allowed to place any more portable restrooms along the course, due to the strict time constraints of our event and the need to re-open the highway to vehicle traffic on time.
Water stations are set up at the starting line (Dismal Nitch Rest Area), Basin Street parking lot (as you turn off the bridge and make your way to the last mile of the race at the Port of Astoria), and at the end of the race straight across from the finish line.
A light snack (typically juice, string cheese, and bananas/clementines) are available at the end of the race straight across from the finish line.
Water & snacks are not provided along the race route because it occurs along a state highway that promptly reopens to traffic following the race, leaving no time to clean up garbage.
While our water stations offer small cups, we encourage you to bring your own water bottle.
Journey's End Espresso is located near the Basin Street shuttle loading/Finish Line area in Astoria and is open on event morning. Use their walk-up window to purchase your morning caffeine or a snack before you get in line for the Basin Street walk-up shuttle stop or after you finish the race.
Unfortunately, there are no dedicated rest stations along the route. If you need a moment to catch your breath, please step to the side of the racecourse to allow others to pass. If you need assistance, flag down a chamber staff member or volunteer race route monitor for further support.
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are stationed along the race course, including mile marker locations on the bridge. First aid stations are accessible at tents located at the starting line (Dismal Nitch Rest Area) and finish line (Port of Astoria just east of the finish line arch). Ambulances are staged on the Oregon and Washington sides of the bridge. Law enforcement officers patrol the route during the event in case of emergencies.
DO NOT attempt to watch participants begin the race at the starting line at Dismal Nitch Rest Area. Space is limited at the rest area and the area is secured in anticipation of the 3,500 participants gathering at the start of the race.
There are bleachers at the finish area. Spectators can walk into the finish line area to view the end of the course after 8:30 a.m. (no parking on site)
Overall
- Every paid participant gets electronic chip timing, so your race starts when you physically cross the starting line, not at the "gun". This means there’s no need to crowd together at the starting line. You’ll get an accurate accounting of your individual race time regardless of whether you’re the first or the last person to cross the start line.
- To reduce crowing at packet pickup you may select the option to get your packet mailed to you (for an additional fee).
- A Virtual 10K option is available to accommodate those not able to join us in-person
Packet Pickup
- To reduce crowding at packet pickup, for an additional fee, you may choose to have your race packet mailed to you.
- If you opt to pick up your race packet in-person, during the registration process you will be asked to select a date and time to come to the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce (111 W Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103) to pick up your race packet. This will help us mitigate long lines and more evenly spread people out.
- Groups or families can send one person to pick up all their packets. (The designated 'packet picker-upper’ will need to know each participant's first & last name and city of residence provided during registration to claim each packet.)
Race Timing & Results
Very Important: The race bib you are provided is unique to YOU based on the information you provide when you register. For safety and accuracy, do not switch your race bib with someone else.
We contract with Eclectic Edge Racing, out of Eugene, Oregon, to provide electronic chip timing for participants. The chip is attached to the bottom of your bib, on a perforated tear tag. Your time starts as soon as you cross the starting line and ends once you step across the finish line. To get accurate timing (and easy photo lookup), you must wear your bib on your front and on your top layer of clothing. Your bib should be clearly visible and pinned at all four corners (safety pins are provided in your race packet). At our race results tent at the finish line, redeem your chip timing receipt to see if you qualify for an age group award-winning medal.
When you finish the race, please tear off the chip tag at the bottom of your bib (tear along the perforated edge) and give it to a volunteer. Our race timing company re-uses the chip tags.
Friendly reminder that chip timing doesn't mean you have to run or walk at a certain pace. Participants can run, jog, walk, skip, stroll, etc. Go at whatever pace works for you!
No, there will not be timers along the course. Once you cross the finish line, however, you can request your exact race time from our timing company, Eclectic Edge Racing.
Yes! We have bling for you! Finisher medals are given out to in-person race participants at the Finish Line on the day of the race.
If you register for the Virtual 10K, your finisher medal will be mailed to you.
We were sorry to miss our awards ceremony in 2023 and hope to reinstate it in 2024. Stay tuned to this page for updates as we get closer to race day.
Typically, we hold a short awards ceremony at 10:45 a.m. near the finish line, prior to the bridge reopening at 11 a.m. We will announce the top three overall male and female finishers; and the top overall male and female Masters finishers. The top three male and female finishers in each age group will not be announced, but are welcome to redeem their age group winner medal from the finisher medals tent at 11 a.m.
If you are not able to attend the awards ceremony, you will be responsible for picking up your medal after the event at the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce office (111 W Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103). If you would like to have your medal mailed to you, there will be a shipping charge.
Age groups and categories for men and women will include: 14 & under, 15-19; 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 & over.
The initial race results are posted on our Results Page within 24 hours of the race. The final race results will be verified by our race timing company and updated within 7 days. Regardless of whether you ran or walked the race, if you passed through the starting line and finish line arches, you receive a race time, thanks to the timing chip in your race bib.
Please note that race timing does not apply for Virtual 10K or Child 10K participants, as those race bibs do not contain timing chips.
Answer pending. Check back soon.
Merchandise
Long sleeve event t-shirts, in cotton and polyester styles, can be purchased for an additional $20 each. BONUS: Pre-order t-shirts through July 7th and save $5.
2024's event shirts will be long sleeve purple shirts available in two fabric choices:
100% Cotton Shirt is a classic heavyweight 6-ounce ultra cotton with rib knit cuffs. (same brand/style we've offered at previous events)
100% Polyester Shirt is a lightweight 3.8-ounce poly blend that is roomy, highly breathable, and moisture-wicking. (same brand/style as last year's event)
Shirts come in adult/unisex and youth sizes. Shirt selection may vary based on availability.
The same shirt is available to in-person and Virtual 10K event participants.
Click here to view size chart for the shirts
*Pre-order your t-shirt by August 6th to guarantee size/style preference. T-shirts are available for participants to purchase at packet pickup and at the chamber retail tent at the finish line, but options are limited. After race day, leftover t-shirts will be available for purchase at the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center while supplies last.
We will have a professional event photographer taking photos on the course. We will provide a link on our homepage to the event photos once they are available.
More questions?
Email the Event Coordinator or call 503-325-6311.