Ready to run year 3 of the Gresham Lilac Run? We can't wait!

Why Run THIS Race?

When you sign up for the Gresham Lilac Run, ALL race proceeds go directly to Family of Friends Mentoring. This group is a local non-profit that works with kids and families all over East Multnomah County by pairing kids with volunteer adult mentors. Research overwhelmingly demonstrates that kids who have more positive adults in their lives are more successful in work, play, life and love. Unfortunately, kids and families from low-income backgrounds often have less access to the healthy adult attention they desire. Family of Friends focuses on creating a community of adult support around kids to help them thrive. Through individual and family-style mentoring, volunteers partner with parent/guardians to spend time once a week with a young person, doing fun activities of their choice. Through these weekly activities, mentors encourage kids to become future-oriented, build grit and persistence, and learn to integrate their emotions with their interpersonal skills. Even more, kids build a trusted relationship with another adult outside school and home, who is on their team.

Course Information

Each course will begin and end at Main City Park with a community celebration with post-race beer, coffee and pancakes! Course maps and details will be coming soon.

FREE Little Lilac Run

The Little Lilac Run is back again as well! This is a FREE event for kids 12 and under. Each kid will receive a runner bib, medal and of course post-race pancakes and juice. Please email LilacRun@GreshamOregon.gov with each child's name and age you would like to register for this event.

Event Sponsorship

Interested in sponsoring the Gresham Lilac Run? Please email Sasha.Konell@GreshamOregon.gov to be a part of year three as we go bigger than ever before!