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Westlake participated in the Lake Oswego Lake Run on Saturday, May 6th. This marks the 4th year WCI has participated in the event, and the 47th anniversary of the run itself. We had a great turnout this year, with staff from the survey, engineering, and administrative departments participating, plus family members.

This is a great event and cause, with proceeds from registration and sponsorships benefiting Northwest Housing Alternative’s community programs. NHA is dedicated to creating opportunities through housing, and has provided 2,000 affordable homes for families, seniors and people with special needs across Oregon. NHA also runs the Annie Ross House Family Emergency Shelter, the only emergency shelter for families in Clackamas County.

Both the 5k walk/run and 10k run options boast great views through friendly neighborhoods, and there’s also a 2 block long Kid’s Dash. The 10k route winds almost the entire way around Oswego Lake and is known for its hilly, challenging course. It has been said “The Lake Run is tough enough to bestow bragging rights on all who finish (but not so tough that you can’t!) as the first couple of miles of the 10k are set on an uphill grade. Luckily, the beauty of the course and the residents and volunteers who line the course to cheer on the participants make the hills a little easier to conquer.

After completing the course, participants can enjoy the Family Fun Festival in Millennium Park with vendor and food booths, and a plant sale. NHA also hosts a food drive in conjunction with the run to help support community members facing food insecurity due to inflation and budget cuts to food assistance programs.

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We asked some newcomers and a Lake Run veteran from the Westlake staff their thoughts on the event this year.

Scott Zelenka, PE (Project Engineer) is a Lake Run newbie and had great things to say about the event:

“The course was very nice. Getting to run through the lovely homes and tree-lined streets of Lake Oswego was fun. What was not so fun was the first two miles that were all uphill. Overall, it was a great, well-run event, and I will be back next year.”

Natalie Chow, PE (Project Engineer), another first-timer, appreciated that the event was accessible to families:

“I enjoyed having one of my kids with me in the stroller. Very family friendly event!”

Shannon Perry (Staff Accountant) has participated in the run multiple times, and also had thoughts on this year’s event:

“I get so excited every year when Westlake gets an opportunity to participate in a run/walk event. The Lake Oswego Lake Run has been my favorite these last couple years. Small town walk with lots of happy faces supporting an amazing organization that builds affordable housing for families across our beautiful state.”

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We look forward to the Lake Run every year and are excited to participate again next year. Many thanks to Northwest Housing Alternatives for putting on this event and for all the work they do to aid our community.