Blender Dash Frequently Asked Questions

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REGISTRATION AND PRE-RACE INFORMATION

How do I register?
Register online HERE until 9:00pm June 6. Registration will close if the maximum number of participants have registered before June 6.

Are there scholarships available?
Children within the Tigard-Tualatin school district should contact the Family Partnership Advocate at their school about scholarship information. Each school has a limited number of scholarships available.

Where do I pick up my race bag?
Skip the lines and pick up your race bag ahead of time!

Race bags may be picked up

• Tuesday, June 4 between 6pm-8pm at the Juanita Pohl Center (8513 SW Tualatin Rd. Inside Tualatin Community Park)
•  Wednesday, June 5 - Friday, June 7 between 3:00pm and 6:00pm at the Van Raden Community Center, located inside Tualatin Community Park at 8509 SW Tualatin Rd. Just follow the park road past the tennis courts.
• Packets may also be picked up at the event on June 8 beginning at 9:00am.

Can I volunteer?
The Blender Dash needs lots of volunteers! If you are interested in information about volunteering visit the volunteer page.

DAY OF EVENT INFORMATION

When and where is the Blender Dash held?
The Blender Dash will be held on Saturday, June 8 at Tualatin Community Park, 8515 SW Tualatin Rd. Check-in opens at 9:00am, and the first heat begins at 10:00am. If you have already picked up your race bag you do not need to check in on the morning of the event. Just listen for an announcement about when to head to the starting line.

How do we know where to go?
All registered participants will receive an email with a course map prior to the event date. In order to reduce paper waste, your race packet will not include a printed map, but there will be maps available at the check in tent on the day of the event and on the packet pick up dates. When you arrive at Tualatin Community Park, head for the parking area next to the tennis courts. If you haven't pick up your race bag head to the Check-In tent to pick up your race bag. If you have already picked it up kids can enjoy the Fun Zone until their age group is called to the starting line. We will have lots of volunteers on hand to answer any questions.

What if it rains?
The Blender Dash is a rain or shine event!

Where do we park?
Tualatin Community Park parking lot will be limited to cars with accessible parking permits and vendors.
Additional parking is available in the City of Tualatin’s public parking lots, indicated in the map below.

There will be free bike valet available in the tennis courts of Tualatin Community Park from 8:30am-12:30pm.

Do we need to check in at the Blender Dash?
If you picked up your race bag early there is no need to check in at the Blender Dash. If you haven't pick up your race bag you can pick it up starting at 9am at the racer check-in tent.

What should we wear or bring?
Kids will be getting super muddy, wet, and colorful throughout the run. Please do not wear any clothing or shoes you want to keep clean! Please bring an old towel to dry off. We also recommend bringing extra trash bags or towels to line the seats of your car with for the ride home. Do not wear new shoes or slip on shoes! Participants will be running through thick mud and water.

Where can non-runners watch the action?
Spectators may watch from any location inside the park that is not directly on the race route or otherwise marked.

What else is happening at the Blender Dash this year?
We always have lots of fun for everyone! Visit with our sponsors, join Willowbrook Arts Camp for crafts, get your free photo booth picture taken, get your face painted, and lots more!

COURSE INFORMATION

What are the age categories?
Ages 10-15 will start at 10:00am followed by kids ages 5-9. There will be a 15 minute break between age groups to allow staff to re-set the course. Please arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Can my 8 year old run with the big kids?
We’re sorry, for participant safety and to provide the best experience for everyone, the age groups will be kept separate. Older siblings may elect to run in the younger age group to provide assistance.

What if my child isn't into zombies?
The Zombie Zone is on the path through the woods along the river. Half way through the woods the path splits into two separate paths. Kids can decide if they want to run through the Zombie Zone or take the other path and get hit with more color and encounter characters in goofy inflatable costumes! Signs and volunteers will be at the split to help kids know which way to go. Volunteers in bright pink shirts will be stationed along the wooded path to cheer kids on and ring cow bells.

What are the obstacles?
Obstacles vary every year. Examples of past obstacles include a tire hop, wood chip mountain climb, mud pit crawl, bubble tunnel, foam fountain, unicorn park, kids' car wash and more. Kids will also run through clouds of color at different color stations along the route. Learn more about the obstacles here.

How long is the course?
The course stays within Tualatin Community Park and is just over one mile long.

What is the color made of?
The color powder we use is custom manufactured and produced right here in the United States. It is made from food grade quality cornstarch. It is non-toxic, is 100% safe, and also biodegradable. As with any substance, you will want to keep it out of your eyes and lungs. All runners will be provided with sunglasses and a bandanna.

Will the color stain my clothes or shoes?
If you want a lot of color to hit your shirt, plan to run or walk closer to the color throwers. If you want only a little bit of color, run or walk further away from the throwers. The color does mostly wash out after the event, but some of it can stain. As with anything, the sooner you wash it the better. We suggest wearing items that you wouldn't mind getting the color on. If you would like to preserve the color in your running shirt, spray it with vinegar and iron it.  If you wash your shirt….the color will eventually come out. 

Can parents participate?
In order to keep the run route clear, parents are not allowed to participate. However, parents of kids who may need assistance or additional support are welcome to accompany their child along the course. There will be volunteers and spectator viewing areas all along the course.

How long will the course take to run?
Check-in opens at 9:00am, and the first heat (for ages 10-15) begins at 10:00am. There will be a 15 minute break between age groups. 5-9 year olds will start around 10:30am. In order to keep the course running smoothly, groups of kids will be released about every 2-3 minutes. Kids should be done running by around 11:00-11:30 and will then want to hang out in the Fun Zone for a bit.

I still have questions. Who should I contact?
Please contact Julie Ludemann at  jludemann@tualatin.gov