At 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning, a flock of children ran around a block in North Portland. Cheers and screams were heard in the distance. People with blue vests waved checkered flags.
For those afar and not in the know, it may have been a confusing sight. In actuality, it was the kids race portion of the MLK Dream Run at Portland Community College’s Cascade campus.
The MLK Jr. Dream Run is an annual fundraiser for the Soul District Business Association for a small business training program and a youth entrepreneurship program. The Soul District Business Association is a nonprofit that began in 1977 to foster growth for North and Northeast Portland businesses.
Contestants can participate in the 5K, 10K or 15K races on Sunday. Proceeds go to the Soul District Business Association’s business coaching and youth entrepreneurship programs.
As a precursor to the main event, a market and children’s race was held Saturday morning.
Food vendors, local artists, musicians and families livened up the community college campus. The area was decorated with signs regarding the importance of community. Many kids enjoyed snow cones and games for prizes after their workout.
The vendors and live entertainment will continue Saturday until 6 p.m.
The adult races begin at 7 a.m. Sunday. Organizers estimate 1,200 people will be participating.
Every runner (or walker) gets a grilled cheese sandwich at the end, courtesy of Dave’s Killer Bread. If that caught your attention, it’s not too late to sign up. Organizers say people can still sign up Sunday morning.