Sea what the new year brings
Jump into 2023 with Newport’s Resolution Run
By Gretchen Ammerman
Oregon Coast TODAY
Photos by Kerry Terrel
If you are resolute about being more active this year and joining the rapidly growing trend of cold water immersion, Newport’s Resolution Run and polar Plunge is the perfect way to check both those boxes. Whether you like to race, run or walk, choose distances from 5k to a half marathon, all ending with an optional plunge into the Pacific at South Beach State Park this Saturday, Jan. 7.
Now in its 10th year, the race is one of Ardor Adventures’ most popular, according to company owner Ed Cortes.
“2019 was the biggest until this year, then obviously 2020 and 2021 were smaller,” he said. “Even in 2022 we had fewer entries because of COVID, but I anticipate we’ll have more than 300 racers this year based on current registration numbers.”
Cortes organizes themed races throughout the year: Run Love Run is for lovers of Valentine's Day, the Shamrock Run is a nod to St. Patrick's Day, the Celebration Run celebrates the 4th of July and the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving. The Resolution Run is meant to help people start each new year off right.
“It would have been nice to have it on New Year’s Day,” Cortes said. “But based on the turnouts of previous events that fell on the day, I knew it would work for more people to have it a week later.”
Even though the finish line is on the beach, Cortes says to not be intimidated if you are not used to running on sand.
“You run on the sand very little — it’s like maybe 150 feet,” he said. “If you are concerned about your finishing time, don’t worry about the sand finish slowing you down.”
In a win-win situation, the aid stations will be populated with students from Newport High School, who will receive a portion of registration fees in exchange for volunteering.
“In this way I get to help the swim and cross-country teams raise funds and also get really good volunteers,” Cortes said. “Each aid station will have about eight or nine volunteers, which I think really adds to the race experience. I love that extra energy boost that comes from having that many people cheering you on as you go through.”
At the finish area, you can warm up with hot coffee, hot chocolate and chili.
The race roster for the rest of the year includes the Twisted Pine Run, which winds through the shore pines at South Beach in the fall; and the Dia De Los Muertos Endurance Run, which has offered six-, 12- and 24-hour options. And, believe it or not, this year Cortes is adding a 48-hour option.
“There seems to be an appetite for it and there aren’t any out here at the coast,” he said. “At the last 24-hour race, I asked people if they would be interested in a 48-hour race, and I got a resounding yes. I’m friends with a guy in his 60s who is already planning to do it.”
Cortes opens race registration as early as he can to allow people ample time for planning their race year.
“I got an email months ago asking when the registration would open for the 4th of July Celebration run,” he said. “So I went ahead and opened it as soon as I could.”
Other than questions about the races themselves, Cortes occasionally gets asked about the name of his company. The word ardor reflects that he does it all for the love of it, not for money, he said. After expenses and donations to local non-profits, he still has to work full-time to support himself and his family.
“I just came back from Orange County visiting my dad and he’s not doing well,” Cortes said. “When we are young we think we‘re going to live forever but we won’t and that reality really hit home after this visit. At 51, I want to fully enjoy all of the time I have left.”
In addition to races, Cortes organizes Team Ardor, a group that meets for regular group runs and events like Christmas parties.
“A lot of people on the team don’t have family here,” he said. “People need a community and I feel like that’s what I’m providing, a community. The people that came to the Fat Ass (an organized race with no fees, aid stations or medals) are people that I’ve known for years. It’s all about providing an opportunity for people that are into running — obviously there are lots of other things to do out here like biking and running, disc golf, etc., but if you love running and want to find your people, please join us.”
Online registration for the Resolution Run closes at midnight on Friday, Jan. 6. Day-of-race registration opens at 7:30 am, with races beginning at 9 am. Fees are from $45 to $60. For more information, go to ardoradventures.com.