By Rebecca Wallis
Newberg, OR – April 9, 2025
As spring petals begin to open across the Willamette Valley, Newberg is preparing to burst into full bloom with one of its most cherished annual traditions: the Camellia Run & Walk, taking place Saturday, April 12, 2025. The event brings together community spirit, local history, and a little healthy competition, all set against a backdrop of the city’s official flower, the Camellia.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or simply someone who loves a festive community gathering, this year’s Camellia Run promises to be a celebration not to miss.
Race Day Details
The starting line will be set just outside the Chehalem Cultural Center at 415 E. Sheridan Street, with two races available for participants: a 10K run at 9:00 a.m., followed by the 5K run/walk at 9:05 a.m. Early birds can pick up their race packets the day before at the Chehalem Aquatic & Fitness Center between 4 and 6 p.m., or on race day beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Organizers are expecting about 500 participants this year, a testament to the event’s growing popularity and the enthusiasm of the Newberg community. Registration is open now through GetMeRegistered.com.
More Than a Run—A Tribute to Newberg’s Roots
The Camellia Run isn’t just about fitness, it’s a living tribute to Newberg’s botanical identity. The city’s namesake flower, the “City of Newberg” Camellia, is more than a symbolic bloom. It’s a registered variety created right here in town by Bryan Stewart, CPRD’s Parks & Landscape Director and a founder of the Camellia Festival. The flower boasts large, semi-double blossoms in soft pink hues, complete with bright yellow anthers. Fragrant, long-lasting, and beautifully consistent, it’s a flower as vibrant and enduring as the town itself.
First blooming in 2010 and officially registered with the American Camellia Society in 2018, this variety stands as a symbol of local pride, creativity, and growth.
Community Spirit in Full Stride
Event director Julie Petersen describes the race as “a fun, family-friendly event that really captures the spirit of Newberg.” The inclusive nature of the run allows participants of all levels to join in, whether they’re racing for a personal best or simply walking with neighbors.
In previous years, the event has featured music, food vendors, and a festive air, as locals gather to cheer on runners and enjoy spring in full swing. While some changes are expected this year in the broader Camellia Festival schedule, the energy of the run remains unchanged.
Opportunities to Get Involved
The Camellia Run also invites local businesses and individuals to show their support by becoming sponsors. Packages range from Bronze ($250) to premium spots like T-Shirt Sponsor ($2,500), each offering a mix of perks such as race entries, promotional opportunities, and event-day recognition.
Sponsorships help keep the event thriving and accessible for the community, and they come with a generous dose of local visibility. Businesses interested in sponsoring can contact Matt Compton at mcompton@cprdnewberg.org.
How to Join the Fun
Registration is open now, and those interested can sign up quickly online. Whether you’re running solo, bringing the kids, or organizing a team with coworkers or friends, the Camellia Run offers something for everyone, and celebrates everything that makes Newberg bloom.
For more information or to register, visit:
https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=139748
Contact the Event Team:
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Julie Petersen, Race Director – jpetersen@cprdnewberg.org | 503-519-7364
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Kristin Anderson, Race Director – kristin@andervold.com | 360-798-2140
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Erin Harrington, Vendor Coordinator – eharrington@cprdnewberg.org | 503-550-5927
So lace up your sneakers, grab a friend, and join the fun—because when Newberg runs together, it grows together.
Photo Credit: Camellia Run logo courtesy of Chehalem Park & Recreation District via GetMeRegistered.com
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