Astoria, Ore. Hosts 27th Annual Great Columbia Crossing.

More than 2,000 Runners and Walkers Cross the Columbia River on Foot Oct. 12

Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce: 27th Annual Great Columbia Crossing 10K Walk/Run

WHAT:      Take the bridge less traveled this October, by running or
           walking across the beautiful Astoria-Megler Bridge. The 27th
           annual Great Columbia Crossing in Astoria, Ore. challenges
           athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike to an invigorating
           10K trek. Rising 205 feet above water, the bridge, typically
           open to vehicles and bikes only, takes participants from the
           Washington to Oregon side of the Columbia River across the
           longest continuous truss span bridge in North America.

           Immediately following the race, participants can enjoy an
           awards ceremony and a chowder lunch. The fastest male and
           female runners overall will receive awards with the
           remaining winners in each age division receiving ribbons by
           mail.

WHEN:      9 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 12
           Shuttles to the starting area are available from
           7 a.m. - 8 a.m. on race day.

WHERE:     Shuttles leave from the Port of Astoria, located at the
           western tip of Astoria. Participants will take the shuttles
           across the Columbia River to Washington, where the race
           begins one mile east of the Astoria-Megler Bridge. The
           finish line is back at the Port of Astoria.

           The communities of Astoria and Warrenton are located on
           Oregon's historic North Coast, where the Columbia River
           meets the Pacific Ocean, 90 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.

REGISTER:  Participants may check in and pick up a commemorative
           t-shirt on Saturday, Oct. 11 from noon - 7 p.m. at Astoria
           High School at 1001 West Marine Dr. There will be late
           registration on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 6:30 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.
           at the Port of Astoria Office, located at 1 Portway St. On
           Sunday, t-shirts will not be available for purchase until
           after the race is over.

COST:      Adult registration is $25 before Oct. 1 and $30 after.
           Children ages 8-14 can race for $15. Entry fees include a
           shuttle bus ride to the starting line and a clam chowder
           lunch. Souvenir t-shirts designed by a Pacific Northwest
           artist will be available for $15. Starting July 18,
           participants can register 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.