TRR Coach Annika Brubaker shares her intel about this fast and growing race in WA in her Run the River Marathon Race Report.
Race: Run the River
Runner: Coach Annika Brubaker
Race Date: 04/18/2026
Location: Columbia Park – Kennewick, WA
Results: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/139459#resultSetId-542720
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- FOOD- free cheese or chicken quesadilla and these amazing, giant brownies after you finish! there’s also a lot of snacks & fresh fruit you can garb. You do not leave feeling hungry after the race!
- Recovery Zone – There’s an area where you can use compression boots, get a 5min massage or chat with a physical therapist while you stretch & foam roll. they also have coconut water to sip while you recover. This is all free to race participants
- Swag – this race does not that any cuts when it comes to swag. marathon and half marathon registration includes a free Rabbit shirt. the really & 5k can purchase one. Each distance has a custom medal only for the race. An artist designs the race bibs to coordinate with the medals. there are age groups awards, custom made top finisher awards, swag bags and lots of race goodies!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
A section of the marathon and half marathon course goes along a highway. It’s noisy and not very pretty.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
You run over two different bridges; there’s several turns to get on/off them. There are not steep but can feel like a climb and the turns can slow down your time. There is also a very short out & back on an island around a lighthouse. The lighthouse is cool but the out & back seem pointless.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
The vibe! from the start of the race, through the aid-stations and once you finish. A lot of energy and support.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
- Plan ahead with time for parking. there are several parking lots in the park but several are a farther way(or consider this a warmup & cooldown)
- Bib pickup can get backed up so lots of people picking up at the same time. use this time to do some more stretching 🙂
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Weather can be all over the place! cold, rain or warmup sunshine. stock the weather!! pack lots of options especially if you traveling from a distance
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
- 90% of the race is on a paved trail, there are a couple sections that are along the road (the should is wide or you have a bike path). There are several turns for the marathoners(bridges), this is where people can(and have) taken wrong turns. If you running the marathon be sure to really study the course. the relay follows the same route as the marathon with 3 transition spots. This can be more crowded for the participants running through.
- The half marathon is an out & back course. There is only one turn to get up on a bike path along the highway.
- The 5k course is an easy out & back
- The marathon is USATF certified and a Boston qualifier
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
- Tes, 95% of the marathon & relay course you can view the river! you run through 3 different towns(kennewick, Richland & Pasco). The course also takes you turn several pretty parks(although the can be a tad crowed).
- The half marathon course is part way along the river and part way along a highway. 50/50 on the beauty of that course
- The 5k is along a riverfront park
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
There are several turns in the marathon & relay course, that you need to pay attention for. The course is very well marked with signs, lots of cones, mileage markers and markings on the pavement. If you follow the signs and course markings you shouldn’t have any problem!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
YES! This race got started with a group of runners from the Tri-Cities meeting for coffee. They area not a running club just a group of people who love to run. There goal is to put on a high quality event for everyone to enjoy. The event has a race committee with over a dozen members with a variety of experiences, including Boston marathon runners, 100 miler finishers, mountain climbers, trail & road runners. Together they bring years of experience & knowledge with running and racing that is then fed into putting on an event that offers everyone a great experience. The success of this event is 100% due to there being so many talented and passionate people working year around.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There a few semi pro runners that some to run the marathon or half marathon. No elite runners yet! There is a strong competitive flied for local runners
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
- Nope! Simple as signing up through.
- https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/WA/Kennewick/RuntheRiverMarathonandRelay
- Because of permits with the city, this race has sold out! so don’t wait until the last month to register. They offer discounts with a couple hotels close by the race start/finish.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
- Aid Stations will be spaced 1.5 – 2.5 miles apart. They have all have water, sports drink and energy gels. The liquids are offered in pre-filled cups and then pitchers will also be available to refill bottles or bladders. Stations will have a fun theme to inspired you along the way!
- Restrooms or port-a-potties are spaced no more than 4 miles apart. If they are not at an aid station, a sign will be on the side of the course pointing to their location. At every port-a-potties there are female hygiene kits.
Weather and typical race conditions
Mid-April in Kennewick, WA, generally brings pleasant, warming weather with average highs in the low 60s to low 70sF. Lows in the high 30s – 40s (it can be chilly at the start). The day usually brings warm sunshine and minimal rain, though it can still be breezy. It has been now to rain or be windy! check the weather 🙂
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Nothing too special; a good pair of road running shoes. A light jacket to start but you will want to ditch it a couple miles in.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yep, lots of places for friends, family and the cheer squad to come out!! great places are that the aid-station locals. the course is easy to access by car on the road.
How’s the Swag?
You won’t find better swag for the price you pay! Rabbit T-shirts, cozy hoodies(for sell), custom medals & awards, cool race bibs to coordinate with the medals and swag bags and with goodies!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10/10 see what people are saying at: https://raceraves.com/races/run-the-river/
