Falla Walla Marathon, 10K
and Heroes 5K Run Saturday, October 3, 2026
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5th Annual Falla Walla Half Marathon & 10K
Starting at the Walla Walla Community College on the east side of town, runners and walkers will be treated to views of the Blue Mountains with rolling fields of wheat, grapevines and fall foliage. The trail surfaces start with asphalt nature paths. Once the run route reaches Bennington Lake Dam, runners will run on gravel service roads. The Half Marathon will include a section of out and back on a chip sealed county road returning to loop back onto the last half of the 10K route. The race meanders through open grasslands and wooded areas with stunning views of the surrounding valley.
This is NOT a fast and flat course! It includes rolling hills with elevation gain on the way out and high speed returns on mile 6-8 of the half and the last two miles of both the 10K and half marathon.
What to Expect: Race Tshirt (for those who register by ????), finisher medal, awards for Top 3 Male and Female finishers for the Half Marathon and 10K, food truck, local craft beers from Quirk Brewing (one free beer per runner for those 21 years of age or older or root beer), music, and food tent for runners, results ceremonies and lots of cheering!
3rd Annual Heroes 5K Run
Welcome to the Heroes 5K Run which will take place in conjunction with the Falla Walla Half Marathon and 10K. The 5K run is a memorial for three Walla Walla health care professionals who have passed away and is to honor these three remarkable people.
Runners and walkers alike will be treated to the beautiful Mill Creek asphalt nature pathway. Strollers are allowed for this event but are asked to stay to the right on the pathway. Sorry, but no dogs are allowed for safety of runners.
What to expect: There will be awards for the top 3 female and top 3 male finishers. All participants who register before September 7th will receive a free race T-shirt. All finishers will get a finisher medal. In addition, all kids 12 years and under will be given a backpack tag. The first 140 participants 13 years and over who register will also receive a commemorative glass. At the finish line there will be a beer garden where anyone 21 years and older can redeem one free beer from Quirk Brewing. Hot drinks and a seasonal treat will again be provided by Eastgate SDA. T-SHIRT AVAILABILITY AND SIZE ARE NOT GUARANTEED IF YOU REGISTER AFTER SEPTEMBER 6.
What this run is really about:
- Melissa Harting was a registered nurse at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in the Emergency Department. She began her long-time career at Providence St. Mary Medical Center starting out as a Certified Nursing Assistant and later moved into an Emergency Tech role. In 2018 she was accepted into Walla Walla Community Colleges Nursing Program where she graduated and obtained her Registered Nurse licensure in 2020. On October 4th, 2023, Melissa passed away at the age of 44. She was a dedicated mother, friend and healthcare provider in all of her roles.
- Robert Becker was the 2nd year lead instructor for the Walla Walla Community College Nursing Program and had been teaching nursing students for over 34 years when he retired in June 2023. Many of the nurses in the Walla Walla Valley and beyond have had Rob as an instructor. His love for teaching and inspiring students went above and beyond. Rob passed away November 8th, 2023, at the age of 68. He was a devoted professor, mentor, and friend to many and a loving husband to Patti.
- Ryan Pleasants, 41, of Walla Walla, WA, passed away on January 7, 2024, while on duty for the City of Walla Walla Fire Department. Ryan dedicated his life to serving his community, starting in the Cowlitz County – North County area as a mountain rescue EMT for 2 years. This was followed by a 19-year career as a firefighter/paramedic with the City of Walla Walla Fire Department, culminating in his promotion to Firefighter Engineer for his 20th year with the department. He continually showcased his commitment and passion for the community he served, his family, and his fellow fire brothers and sisters.
The proceeds from this 3rd Annual Heroes 5K Run will benefit those in our community in bettering their lives. Melissa Harting and Rob Becker’s portions will go to their individual memorial funds at the Walla Walla Community College Foundation to help nursing student financially as they complete their nursing degrees. In honor of Ryan’s legacy, Ryan’s portion of the funds will go towards a scholarship to help current and future EMS providers advance their careers and improve the quality of care they will provide. This scholarship will be housed and managed by your local United Way of the Blue Mountains.
Thank you for giving and for honoring these three Heroes of our community.
No Refunds and No Deferrals
Must be present to receive free T-shirt and commemorative glass