You probably don’t really need me to preview the Portland Marathon, as it’s probably the longest-running (ha ha) race in Oregon and is the premier event in town. It’s frequently listed as one of the top fall marathons in the country. And regular registration is already sold out… But all the same, I’m here to give you the details because there are still charity entries available. Here are the key points about this year’s Portland Marathon:
- Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, at 7 a.m., with wave starts
- Awesome race swag, including finisher’s medal, finisher’s shirt*, collectible coin, pendant, event poster, and more
- 2 day pre-race event expo on Friday and Saturday
- Mostly flat course with 2 significant hills, but flat or downhill from mile 16 to the end
- Over 80 entertainment groups on the course
- Lots and lots of post-race food
* To get the shirt, you actually have to finish the race!
In addition to the marathon, there is also a half marathon. Regular registration for the half marathon closed very early in the year, but charity registration is still available for that distance as well. What is charity registration? It’s $250 for either distance, half of which goes to Going the Distance Foundation.
As you’ll see if you read my interview with Les Smith, this is a massive operation, with over 4000 volunteers altogether – 2000 or more throughout the race course on race day.
Portland Marathon
When: Sunday, October 9, 2016, starting at 7 a.m.
Where: Downtown Portland, SW 4th Avenue and SW Taylor Street
Parking/Getting to the Event: Lots of good info here
Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up (REQUIRED!): Friday, October 8, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, October 9, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., both days at the Hilton Portland and Executive Tower, 921 SW 6th Avenue (Ballroom and Exhibit Hall)
Register: Online here (marathon) or here (half marathon); $250 for either distance ($125 entry fee, and $125 donation).