I signed up for the Bridge of The Goddess after Vancouver USA got cancelled this year. Normally, the race is held in the Columbia River Gorge in the Cascades, however, with the PNW fires, it got moved to Vancouver, WA. Major props to race organizers for keeping the race going this year and coming up with a plan for the race to go on despite the fires.

Packet Pick Up: Portland Running Company. I went to the downtown location and was in and out. Doesn't hurt that the story was doing 50% off stuff as well! There were opportunities for sign up at the packet pick up.

Race Time: 8 AM on Saturday Sept 16.

Course: Started at Ester Short Park. Bathrooms were available, but long lines. Tents and such with vendors set up were there pre/post race. The half marathon went out to Ft. Vancouver and back towards the start and then down to the Columbia River and along it for a bit before going along the streets of Vancouver and back. The course itself was relatively flat, though some hills in the Ft Vancouver area. Water stations were set up and easily visible, as were mile markers. No major intersections to stop at, though at one point around the 10k mark of the half where you went through a hotel parking lot. Things were overall well marked

Post race: had the chance to pick between a neckless or a medal. I went neckless. Food was available, but the line was long so I bailed on that. Plenty of vendors and a farmers market close by

At some point, I'd like to do the course in the Gorge when the PNW is not on Fire. Great race regardless and something to run if you're in Oregon