Where to Find the Best Parkrun Near You

Portland has 17 parkrun locations, with the newest addition being the Forest Park parkrun, which launched in January 2026 and has already seen over 1,000 participants.

The rise of parkrun in Portland is no surprise, given the city's active wellness culture and abundance of green spaces. As the weather warms up, more and more Portlanders are looking for ways to stay fit and healthy outdoors. With its free, weekly, timed 5K runs, parkrun has become a staple of the city's fitness scene, attracting everyone from casual joggers to serious athletes. Whether you're a longtime resident or just visiting, parkrun is a great way to experience Portland's beautiful parks and trails while getting some exercise.

Some of the most popular parkrun locations in Portland include the Waterfront Park parkrun, which takes place every Saturday at 9am along the Willamette River, and the Mount Tabor Park parkrun, which features a challenging but scenic route around the park's famous reservoirs. Other notable locations include the Grant Park parkrun in Northeast Portland and the Sellwood Riverfront Park parkrun in Southeast Portland. The city's parkrun community is also supported by local organisations such as the Portland Parks & Recreation department and the Oregon Road Runners Club.

Getting Involved

According to data from the parkrun website, over 10,000 people have participated in Portland's parkrun events since the program launched in 2019. The average attendance per event is around 250 people, with the largest turnout being 421 participants at the Waterfront Park parkrun on New Year's Day 2026. With events taking place every Saturday at 9am, it's easy to find a parkrun near you and get involved. Registration is free, although participants are required to sign up in advance on the parkrun website.

For those looking to take their parkrun experience to the next level, there are also several local running groups and training programs available. For example, the Portland Running Company offers a beginner's running program that includes training sessions and parkrun participation. The cost of the program is $99 for a 10-week session, which works out to just $9.90 per week. With its supportive community and beautiful outdoor locations, parkrun is a great way to get fit, have fun, and experience the best of Portland's parks and trails.