The Columbia Gorge Marathon showcases the area’s beautiful fall foliage and river vistas.
There’s been some talk lately of the Portland Marathon and Half Marathon potentially having to change their course or even cancel their 2017 race. Whether or not that happens – and we hope it doesn’t – it’s always good to know about other marathons and half marathons running around the same time so you can see your options.
This is the second of three posts giving you some options for fall half and full marathons. For these posts, we’re defining “Fall” as September, October, and November. This post is for October races only. Please keep in mind that this list is based on the Pacific NW Running Calendar, so you should check there for updates after this post’s original publication date. The area includes Oregon, Southern Washington, and the Seattle Metro. All locations are Oregon unless otherwise noted. We’re including races that are half and full marathons, and those that offer a similar distance. Know of more we should add? Click on “Contact us” and drop us a line.
Half Marathons:
Charleston Salmon Run – Saturday, October 7 in Charleston (near Coos Bay). A scenic half marathon with beautiful views of the beach and the sea. Registration cost is $45.
Newport Bay to Brews Half Marathon: Saturday, October 14 in Newport. This flat, coastal run will give you views of the bay, the beach, the jetty, and the iconic Newport Bridge. Registration is $75.
SD’s Down & Dirty Half and Dirty 10K: Sunday, October 15 in Bend. This race starts at the Inn at the 7th Mountain Resort, and will offer the beauty of Central Oregon’s fall foliage while running on single track, double track, and horse trails. Registration is $40 until September 15.
Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon & 8K: Saturday, October 21 in Lebanon. This (optionally) costumed run follows a beautiful course along the river and through parks. Registration is $65 until September 1st.
Hell of the Northwest Trail Run: Saturday, October 21 in Blodgett. This trail run takes place at the Alsea Falls Recreation Area, located 40 minutes from Corvallis and 50 minutes from Eugene. Registration cost is $40 until July 31, $45 until Sept 30, and $50 thereafter.
Columbia Gorge Marathon: Sunday, October 22 in Hood River. This is the most beautiful course I have ever run! The race starts and ends on the Columbia River, and while the first and last two miles run through the quaint little town of Hood River, the rest of the out-and back course is on the car-free Historic Columbia River Highway, which overlooks the Gorge. It’s a challenging, hilly course, offering a half, full, and a relay. Registration for the half is currently $85, and will go up to $90 on July 1.
Run Like Hell: Sunday, October 22 in Portland. This Halloween race in downtown Portland has a different costume theme each year (past years have included Zombie, Under the Sea, Circus, and ComicCon), but any and all costumes are welcome (or no costume at all). This year it will feature a new start/finish at OMSI (moved from Pioneer Square) and a new course. Registration cost is currently $79.
Grants Pass Half Marathon – Saturday, October 28 in Grants Pass. Registration cost for the half is $45 until Oct 23.
Close to Half Marathon Distance:
Willamette Headwaters Endurance Events – Saturday, October 7 in Oakridge. This trail race on the Middle Fork Willamette National Recreation Trail in Oakridge, Oregon offers three distances: 11, 22, or 33 miles. Registration costs until August 31 are $30, $40 and $70 respectively. Sept 1 the cost goes up by $5.
Echo Sage Trail Run – Saturday, October 7 in Echo (near Hermiston). Eastern Oregon’s only fall trail race is $30 for the 25k and $50 for the 50k.
Elk-Kings Mountain Traverse 50K and 25k – Saturday, October 14 in the Tillamook Forest. The 25k and 50k trail races are both challenging and technical with narrow trails and lots of elevation gain. Registration is $90 and $110, respectively.
Marathon:
Charleston Salmon Run – Saturday, October 7 in Charleston (near Coos Bay). A hilly marathon with beautiful views of the beach and the sea in the second half. Registration cost is $69.
Columbia Gorge Marathon – Sunday, October 22 in Hood River. Out and back course on the beautiful Historic Columbia River Highway. Registration is currently $100 and will increase to $105 on July 1.
50k:
ORRC Autumn Leaves 50k (and 50-miler) – Saturday, October 28 at Champoeg State Park. From volunteer RD Bret Henry (a personal friend of Run Oregon founder Kelly Barten): “If you sign up prior to June 29th we will charge you $85 dollars less than the Portland Marathon and let you run a much more beautiful course and … let you run 5 more miles for free!” This is a loop course with great on-course support from the race and your personal fan group. $75 for non-ORRC members and $65 for member thru June 27.
