Duathlon to Benefit Lifeworks NW
By Karen Warr, MPA, Development Associate, LifeWorks NW

The second annual Portland Downtown Duathlon, presented by NW Natural and benefiting LifeWorks NW and the Portland Rose Festival Charitable Foundation, is the kick-off event of the 2006 Portland Rose Festival.

On Sunday, May 21, participants will begin with a 5K run at 7 a.m., originating at Tom McCall Waterfront Park and winding through downtown Portland. They will return to Tom McCall Waterfront Park, where they will switch to bicycles for a 25K scenic ride through Portland, out Highway 30, across the St. Johns Bridge, and back downtown.  The participants will then complete the event with another 5K run through downtown Portland.

The Duathlon is a collaborative event that benefits LifeWorks NW and the Portland Rose Festival Charitable Foundation. LifeWorks NW addresses the very tough and real issues children, adolescents and their families face – from teen pregnancy to child abuse, from mental health to addiction issues.  LifeWorks NW’s commitment is to support youth and families throughout their lifespan to build resiliency, a sense of hope and optimism about the future. The Portland Rose Festival Charitable Foundation supports arts, education, youth and environmental programs. 

Both LifeWorks NW and the Portland Rose Festival Charitalbe Foundation are committed to the community, encouraging healthy lifestyles and fostering healthy communities. 

Volunteers are needed to be course marshals, directing motorists and participants along the race route.  All volunteers will either need to report to the park or a specific spot along the race course (details to follow as we get closer to the event).  Arrival times begin at 5:30 a.m., but may be different depending on your assignment.  Volunteers will receive free coffee, a t-shirt, and admission to the Downtown Coffeehouse in the park following the race.

For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Karen Warr at karenw@lifeworksnw.org.  To register for the duathlon, please visit www.rosefestival.org.