Eugene Weekly : Cover Story : 8.26.2010

 

Eugene Celebration 2010

Stylish Pets Take the Stage Raise the woof, meow and bray at the Pet Stroll 

Local, National, International Film mania, plus zombies, at the EC Film Fest

Yoga Slugs and Friends in France SLUG Queen Slugasana takes over the EW

Ready to Raise Some Heck, I Mean Roofs? Eugene Celebration music round-up  

Village People Habitat volunteers to build a shed

Regress, Relax, Unwind Health and Wellness Celebration

Speedy Celebration For runners, the parade happens in the afterglow

Undeath Will Not Them Part The Celebration gets its first zombie wedding

 

Speedy Celebration
For runners, the parade happens in the afterglow
by Zanne Miller

The Rose Parade kicked off with B2 Stealth Bombers. Miley Cyrus led the way for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2008; last year it was a 60-foot-tall Kermit the Frog. And in Eugene? Well, runners, of course. (Surprising that someone didn’t think of this sooner.) 

The Celebration Mile, a one-mile road race new to this year’s event, will lead the way, begining at 9:50 am near 11th and Pearl, following (but ahead of) the parade route, to finish at 12th and Oak. The parade itself begins at 10 am.

“This is a rare opportunity to run a road race through downtown Eugene,” says William Wyckoff who, through Eugene’s Eclectic Edge Racing, is coordinating the run. “The streets are already closed. There’s a lot going on that represents Eugene.”

It is, after all, Track Town USA, he adds, noting that the race will be chip timed. Prizes will be awarded to the first three male and female finishers overall and in each five-year age group in the race.

Wyckoff also said that he’d like to see some more registrants. Registration is available three ways: online at the Eugene Celebration homepage (click on “events”); in person at noon through Aug. 27, at Eugene Running Company (116 Oakway) or 7:30 to 9:30 am at the starting line on Saturday morning. 

By the way, Wyckoff says he does not know the name of the man who for years has continuously run laps around the parade. We’d like to award him the honorary Celebration 10-Mile medal. H