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Are the cherry blossoms blooming yet? Find out this weekend at Coach Jim’s free marathon and half marathon training run!
The route is made up of two segments. Those training for a spring half marathon should run one of the loops while marathoners should run both, provided that you are at that mileage with your training. If not, both segments are out-and-backs so you can just turn around early.
The first route is just over 10 miles and heads up through the Pearl District, over to the waterfront around NW Thurman, and then down Naito and through Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The route continues under the Ross Island Bridge and turns around in the South Waterfront District.
The second route goes through the South Park Blocks and then runs up Terwilliger to SW Capitol Highway before turning around.
The run will start at 8a from Road Runner Sports at 29 NW 23rd Place in Portland. Please find street parking; please do not park in the Uptown Shopping Center parking ramp. Come prepared with your own hydration and nutrition for the run. The route will include a few potty stops, but try to plan ahead as much as possible. (If that means getting up earlier for some coffee, so be it.)
These runs are coordinated by RRCA-certified and Lydiard program-certified Coach James Mattern. He and his pace group leaders are all volunteering their time and experience. Paces will range from about 7:30/mile to 12:30/mile and this welcoming group is extremely supportive whether you are training for your first half or full marathon or trying to better your time or earn a BQ. Get to know them on Coach Jim’s facebook group here!
