Across the United States, cities have their own holiday traditions. That often means tree lightings, parades, visits from Santa Claus and ice skating.
In Portland, OR., a new tradition is beginning to take hold with assistance of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA).
On Sunday, Dec. 8 more than 4,100 participants gathered at DTNA’s headquarters for the “Daimler Holiday Half Marathon.” The 2019 edition included a 10 miler, 5K, 10K and kids dash, with net proceeds going to the Red Cross and local charities.
The holiday race was created in 2010 by Foot Traffic, a retail store with five Portland-area locations.
In 2018, owner Sean Rivers was looking for a new race sponsor. At the same time, DTNA employees raised the idea of creating a race on Swan Island, where the company’s headquarters are located.
After a sponsorship agreement was reached, Foot Traffic took care of the required city permits and related logistics and a group of DTNA employees secured internal approvals.
“We sponsor the race because community relations is a great way to meet and be known by our neighbors,” a DTNA spokesman said. “It’s also a way for the local community to learn who we are, what it is that we do and a bit of our history.”
It also gives the community a glimpse into the future. A sponsorship message in several e-mail blasts to registrants leading up to the event focused on DTNA’s position as a leader in “electric mobility.”
On race morning, some runners were focused only at the task ahead of them. For many others, the race was but one small piece of the overall experience.
Some dressed in “ugly” Christmas sweaters, and a dozen or more Santas could be seen along the course. In several spots, carolers provided musical entertainment, and holiday-themed cookies were available near water stations.
Back at DTNA’s headquarters, a party-like atmosphere was underway, complete with coffee, chili, local craft beer and a band.
Runners posed for pictures with their medals next to a new Western Star truck near the entrance, a restored Consolidated Freightways Freightliner in the lobby and along the Willamette River out back.
The winner of the half marathon was Jacob Campbell, 25, who covered the 13.1 miles in 1:08:48. I completed the 10-mile course in 1:26:18.
Afterwards, I got picked up by a Lyft driver who said he had been a longhaul truck driver for many years. He was well aware of Daimler’s presence in Portland, but did not know about the race.
“That’s pretty cool,” he said as I shared details with him and he told me a few stories from his days on the road.
When I got dropped off, he congratulated me, wished me "happy holidays” and told me to “keep truckin’.”
I wish the same to all of you.
