City approves set half marathon, 10k and 5k courses for city center

In response to the high volume of running and walking events that make use of the downtown core, the City has issued a set of pre-approved race courses for half marathon, 10k and 5k distances. Races that apply to use any roads in the downtown core - from SW Harrison to NW Quimby and from Naito Parkway to the I-405 - will be limited to one of three courses approved for each distance. "By limiting the course options, the City expects to streamline the permit approval process, the organization of road closures and police staffing, and provide runners and walkers in our community with familiar courses," says City spokesperson Schnely Laufen. "This will allow race organizers to focus their resources on the really important things in racing: a great post-race party and a huge finisher's medal." The courses that are approved are those of some of the most popular, largest races in town and will be the current courses of the following:

Half Marathon:

Run Like Hell Half Marathon

Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland Half Marathon

Portland Marathon Half Marathon

8k to 15k:

Fanconi Anemia 5k

Cinco de Mayo 10k

Shamrock Run 15k

5k:

Starlight Run 5k

Komen Race for the Cure 5k

Jingle Bell 5k

Some of the other features of this new, streamlined program, include management of train schedules to minimize race interruption (although it is not guaranteed), designated parking areas for races, and templated start/finish footprints so vendors such as port-a-potty suppliers are able to quickly set up and tear town.

Happy April Fools Day from Run Oregon!