The Columbia Gorge Running Club (CGRC) is a volunteer-led, Road Runners Club of America affiliate that exists to “promote, practice, and enjoy the unbounded benefits of running and walking.” Open to every age and pace, the club is devoted to building community across the Gorge—Idaho side included—through year-round group runs, coaching camaraderie, and a low-cost membership that instantly plugs runners into a supportive network. Tuesday-to-Friday meet-ups range from 5 a.m. sunrise jaunts at Kainos Coffee to relaxed river-front miles followed by a complimentary pint at Ferment Brewing; wherever you live along the Gorge corridor, there’s a friendly crew waiting to share the miles and the post-run coffee.

CGRC’s race calendar is equally diverse, mixing classic road 5 Ks with rugged trail challenges so members can test themselves against both the clock and the Columbia’s dramatic terrain. Seasonal staples include the low-key Skamania County Fair 5 K (still one of the best-value races anywhere), the scenic Backyard Half in White Salmon, the all-female Wild Woman Trail Runs, and autumn’s triple-header of Thanksgiving turkey trots that blanket the Gorge east-to-west. Trail lovers gravitate to August’s Post Canyon Half and the revived Three Corner Rock 50 K, while road racers appreciate flat, fast options such as the Strawberry Fields loop in North Bonneville. Because CGRC is a non-profit, every entry fee is reinvested locally—recent seasons have funneled more than $10 K into high-school cross-country programs and regional youth-shoe grants.

Joining the club ($15 individual / $30 family) unlocks automatic race discounts, a stylish membership tee (plus optional Territory Run hat), and 20 % off running-shoe purchases at Shortt Supply. Members also enjoy priority access to limited-field events, monthly newsletters packed with “Gorge Runner Stories,” and the chance to give back by volunteering on race day or trail-work outings. Whether you’re chasing an ultra, starting from couch-to-5 K, or simply looking for a weekly run-and-latte routine, CGRC offers an inclusive gateway to the best routes, races, and running friends the Columbia Gorge—and its Idaho communities—have to offer.