Run For Roses 5K

The Run For Roses 5K 2026 is a student-led community fundraiser held in Salem, Oregon. Scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, with a race start at 9:30 AM PDT, the event supports the South Salem High School chapter of HOSA (Future Health Professionals). The project serves as a practical showcase for the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, with students from graphic design, manufacturing, and business departments collaborating on everything from shirt design to trophy fabrication. The race centers on Bush's Pasture Park, specifically the Lower Leffelle Field, providing a multi-surface route for local runners and supporters.

The "Rose" theme is deeply rooted in the traditions of South Salem High School, where roses are used to welcome staff and recognize student achievements. This event extends that school culture into the broader Salem community, featuring custom-manufactured rose trophies for the top finishers.

Salem is the capital city of Oregon and the county seat of Marion County, with a population of approximately 180,000 residents. It is situated in the fertile Willamette Valley, known globally for its agriculture and viticulture. Demographically, Salem is approximately 62.4% White, 23.2% Hispanic/Latino, 2.1% Asian, 1.6% Black, and 1.4% Indigenous. The city is a major hub for state government and healthcare services, with a median household income of roughly $68,000 CAD. The workforce is characterized by a strong mix of public sector employees and an emerging tech and manufacturing sector.

The local culture is defined by a strong emphasis on education and community-based health. Bush’s Pasture Park, the 90-acre site of the race, is a historic landmark featuring botanical gardens and oak groves that are central to Salem’s outdoor life. There is a deep regional pride in the "homegrown" nature of student projects; the partnership between South Salem High’s HOSA chapter and local business sponsors reflects the city’s commitment to preparing its youth for careers in the medical and technical fields. Residents are known for supporting school-based initiatives, particularly those that integrate Salem’s agricultural heritage—represented by the rose—with modern vocational training.

Participants can expect a scenic and varied course through the historic oak trees and open meadows of Bush's Pasture Park. Because the race involves gravel and trail sections, it offers a more textured experience than a standard road 5K. The atmosphere is intended to be celebratory and educational, with student organizers managing the logistics from the start line at Lower Leffelle Field. By 9:30 AM on May 3rd, the park will serve as a bridge between the student body and the public, celebrating the next generation of healthcare and technical professionals in the heart of Oregon's capital.