10K Run Crosses Largest Truss Span Bridge in North America; Great Columbia Crossing Spans 4.1 Miles across the Columbia River.

What:   Experienced athletes and amateurs alike looking for a unique
        outdoor event can take advantage of the only opportunity of
        the year to cross the Columbia River on foot. Participants in
        the Great Columbia Crossing 10K walk/run will cross the 4.1
        mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge, which connects Oregon and
        Washington near the mouth of the Columbia River. It is the
        longest continuous truss span in North America and features a
        challenging incline at the bridge ship channel where the
        structure rises 205 feet above the river, offering beautiful
        views of the historic region.

        Immediately following the race, participants are invited to an
        awards ceremony and chowder feed. Awards will be given to
        overall male and female runners, and top male and female
        runners in all age divisions.

        In conjunction with the event, Astoria is hosting the annual
        Silver Salmon Octoberfest Oct. 8-9, 2004. Saluting the
        region's native fish, the annual festival will feature nearly
        100 booths offering a mix of German goods and delicacies,
        artwork from local artisans and fresh seafood right off the
        dock. The event features a popular salmon BBQ, regional
        microbrews and fine wines from Helvetia Vineyards. There will
        be live music, and arts and crafts, and activities for kids.

When:   Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004
        Race begins at 9 a.m.
        Participants may check-in Saturday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5
        p.m. or Sunday, Oct. 10 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m at the
        Astoria Red Lion Inn race registration station, located at the
        east of end of the hotel. Walkers/runners will catch the
        shuttle bus at the registration station and be transported to
        the starting line on Sunday morning. The last bus leaves at
        8:10 a.m.

Where:  Shuttles transport participants to the Southwest corner of
        Washington, where the race begins one mile east of the
        Astoria-Megler bridge. The finish line is across the river in
        Oregon. Astoria is located on Oregon's historic North Coast,
        where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, just 90
        miles from Portland. Astoria is home to a working waterfront
        as well as art galleries, restaurants, shops, Victorian homes,
        community theater and museums, notably the internationally
        acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum, and nearby Ft.
        Clatsop where Lewis and Clark wintered in 1805-6.

Registration:
        Registration is available online at
        www.greatcolumbiacrossing.com or by calling the
        Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-875-6807.
        Registration before September 30 is $20, after it is $25.
        Entry fees include bus shuttle to the starting line, a
        souvenir T-shirt and chowder.

For More
Information:
        Visit www.greatcolumbiacrossing.com, or contact the
        Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-875-6807.