26th Annual Great Columbia Crossing Bridge Race Storms Astoria.

More than 2,500 Runners and Walkers Race Across Longest Truss Span Bridge in North America 

ASTORIA, Ore. -- Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce:

WHAT:    Experienced athletes and amateurs alike will enjoy the rare
         opportunity to cross the mighty Columbia River on foot during
         the 26th Annual Great Columbia Crossing 10K walk/run.
         Participants will start the race in Washington, cross the 4.1
         mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge - typically open to vehicular
         and cycling traffic only - and finish in Oregon.

         The longest continuous truss span bridge in North America,
         the Astoria-Megler Bridge rises 205 feet above the river,
         offering a challenging incline as well as beautiful views of
         the historic Astoria and Warrenton communities below.

         An awards ceremony and chowder lunch for participants
         immediately follow the race. The fastest overall male and
         female runners, and top male and female runners in each age
         division receive awards.

WHEN:    Sunday, Oct. 14
         The race begins at 9 a.m. Participants may check in Saturday,
         Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Astoria-Warrenton Area
         Chamber of Commerce (111 W. Marine Drive), or Sunday, Oct. 14
         from 6 - 8 a.m. at the West End Marina race registration
         station (400 Industry St.). From the marina, walkers and
         runners can catch the shuttle bus to the starting line on
         Sunday morning. The last bus leaves at 8:10 a.m.

WHERE:   Shuttle transportation and registration is at the West End
         Marina. Shuttles take 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 at Astoria High School.

         The communities of Astoria and Warrenton are located on
         Oregon's historic North Coast, where the Columbia River meets
         the Pacific Ocean, 70 miles northwest of Portland. It is the
         oldest American settlement west of the Rockies and has a rich
         maritime history. Still home to a working waterfront, Astoria
         boasts a vibrant cultural scene including art galleries,
         museums, restaurants, shops, Victorian homes and the
         internationally acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum.

COST:    Registration is $30 before Oct. 5 or $35 after. Entry fees
         include bus shuttle to the starting line, a souvenir t-shirt
         designed by a member of the local community and a clam
         chowder lunch. Starting July 16, registration is available
         online at www.greatcolumbiacrossing.com or by calling the
         Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-875-6807.

LODGING: Oregon's North Coast offers a wide selection of
         accommodations, from Victorian bed and breakfasts and small
         historic inns, to hotels, motels, campgrounds and vacation
         home rentals. Please visit www.oldoregon.com or call the
         Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-875-6807
         for information.

CONTACT: For more information, contact the Astoria-Warrenton Area
         Chamber of Commerce at 800-875-6807.