Talk about a great race. First, three-time NY Marathon winner Alberto Salazar chums it up with the runners and walkers before the start. Next, participants are treated to some of the finest urban trail running in the country on Portland's own Wildwood Trail. The finish goes right through the Oregon Zoo, past lions, tigers and peacocks to the elephant house. And who is there to greet them but Miss America herself, Katie Harman, autographing race numbers and posing for pictures. That was Portland's March 28th 2002 Race to Stop Global Warming. A good cause and a great event!

In its third year, the race benefits the Green House Network, a Portland-based nonprofit committed to creating a grassroots movement to stop global warming. A lot of the over one thousand participants said that the cause was a main reason for being there.

"I'm a major environmentalist, and I wanted to do it for that reason," said Tessa Williams of Hillsboro. "I've been doing a few races lately, so this went along with it because I'm an environmentalist and I like to run."

"We started in 2000 as an official Earth Day 2000 event," said Race Director Katie Sunbey, the "K" in the K Factor Event Management company. "That year we were located in downtown. We moved to the [Oregon] Zoo last year." Besides an 8k trail run and a 5k walk, there were several kids' events. "We have a fun run, a diaper dash and a toddler trot," said Sunbey.

Whit Gaither from Portland was attracted by the trails. "I love trail running," said Gaither. "It's my favorite style of running."

It was Del Brown's first time for this event. "Boy I wish my body well, I'm not as young as the rest of these people around here," Brown said with a laugh. When asked about trail running, she said, "I stopped for the last two years because I have a really bad knee. I have ACL, and I have two pins in my right knee right now, but I love to jog, love to run. All of this is great, the outdoors--fantastic."

Salazar was there representing Nike, an event sponsor. "It's a great race for a great cause," said Salazar. "This is my third year involved in this with Nike. We're just trying to bring attention to the problem of global warming. Here in Oregon people are very environmentally conscious, and so we're pleased with the turnout today." When asked how he planned to do in the race, he laughed and said, "I'm back with the pack. I don't know how fast the winners run, I'm too far back."

The lovely, always-charming Katie Harman, the reigning Miss America, was there as part of the Bonneville Power Administration's efforts to promote green power, a program that encourages the development of power from non-fossil fuel sources. She started the race and stayed around afterwards to greet the finishers. A health and fitness buff herself, she regretted not being able to participate due to a full day's schedule of events. "I wish I was running. I really, really wish I was able to," she said.

Portland's Steve Andersen was the fastest 8k runner, burning up the hilly course in 27 minutes, forty-six seconds. He attributed his success to being familiar with the course.

"I live like a mile away, so I'm up here everyday," said Andersen. "I knew what was coming. I knew all the turns and when to expect the big uphill." Of his competition, Anderson said, "They were good running down the hills, but I could get them up the uphill, because I knew when they [the hills] were, where they were and how long they were."

Richard Daniels followed Andersen in a time of 29:23 to take second place and Lawrence Merrifield came in third with 29:37.

Deanna O'Neil of Canby led the women, finishing the 8k in a time of 31:32. A familiar figure at local runs, she was pleased with herself for beating her husband by about a half-second. "I had to beat Jeff. He was right behind me; I saw him on the switch back."

She thought it was a tough race, but a good workout. She also liked the cause. "Yeah I am into sustainability," she said. "We kind of wasted some time not paying more attention to this earlier. But I guess it's never too late."

Danielle Johnson was second for the women, finishing with a time of 33:37. Emily Andersen came in third in 33:43.

David Berkowicz, from Boston, was in Portland visiting family when he saw a flyer on one of the trails earlier in the week and decided to run. It was his first time running trails. "I'm here just to have a good time," said Berkowicz. "I think it will be fun."

Troy Drawz of Portland saw the race on a website and decided it would be a good way to get some miles in. "I do a little bit of trail running over at Tryon Creek," he said, "but not too often."

After the race, Brian Ivory, who is originally from Banagher, Ireland, and is in Oregon working, said it was his first 8k. "It was really good," said Ivory. "It was very hilly; I didn't expect it to be so up and down. I really enjoyed it."

Beth Alport from Portland summed up the day well when she said, "It was excellent. Beautiful trails, nice day. It's a great cause and hopefully more people will show up next year and participate."

Results here!