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When Alex Mangan ’16 first laced up his running shoes as a , he couldn’t have imagined he’d one day be organizing a major event in Oregon’s capitol. But this September, that’s exactly what he and his wife, Kelsey (Dammarell) Mangan ’18, are doing by launching the inaugural Cherry City Half Marathon in Salem.

With just a few weeks to go, the Mangans are in the final stretch of logistics, marketing and community outreach. But for Alex, this isn’t just a passion project, it’s a full-circle moment rooted in his Linfield experience.

A four-year competitor in both cross country and track, Alex credits much of his current path to a unique class he took at Linfield called Economics of Running taught by Professor Randy Grant.

“As our final project, we planned and hosted an actual 5K,” Alex remembers. “We organized it at the Evergreen Aviation Museum and proceeds supported the Parker Moore Scholarship Fund.”

After graduating, Alex started working at Portland Running Company, where he coordinated events across the region. He eventually moved to Salem, where he now lives with Kelsey and their two young children. By day, Alex works in marketing and coaches high school track.

It was during a recent conversation between the couple that a big idea took root.

“The last half marathon in Salem was held last September,” Alex said. “But that event company stopped operating here, which left a huge gap in the local running scene.”

Seeing that void, Alex knew it was time to step up.

“We thought—why not us?” he says. With such a short time to plan, they had to get to work quickly. And rally they did.

The is more than just a 13.1-mile race — it’s a full-blown community event that includes a 10K, 5K and kids’ fun run. With over 700 participants already registered, from a goal of 500, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Our favorite part of working on this has been connecting with runners and walkers all over the Pacific Northwest,” Kelsey said. “There’s a real hunger for community-driven events. It’s been so fun to build this brand from scratch, and people have been just as excited as we are.”

Sponsors such as Willamette Valley Vineyards, Gallagher’s Fitness Resources and others have stepped up to support the race, helping the Mangans transform their vision into reality. But for the Mangans, it’s about more than just the race.

“Our mission is twofold. Of course, we want to host a high-quality event, but more importantly, we want to give back,” Kelsey said. “That’s why a portion of the proceeds will support youth track and field in Salem and contribute to the Willamette Valley Road Runners’ scholarship fund for student-athletes.”

Kelsey, a former lacrosse player at Linfield and now a certified RN, has also played a critical role in planning the event. While she’s worked in a wide variety of nursing roles, from oncology to school nursing, her current job as an RN test observer allows her to maintain her involvement in the profession, while prioritizing life at home with their kids.

“I oversee and administer portions of Oregon’s CNA certification exams,” she explains. “It lets me stay connected to nursing while focusing on our family, and now, this race.”

With race day approaching, the Mangans remain focused.

“What I learned at Linfield is that people in a community genuinely want to help each other succeed,” Alex says. “That’s what we’re trying to recreate here in Salem. Something that brings people together, supports a great cause and becomes a lasting tradition.”