In this weird world of COVID, we have seen pretty much all in-person races go by the wayside. Now as 2021 looms and the forward momentum of a vaccination on the horizon, some races are making their 2021 plans. But just because there is a hopeful forward momentum, the truth is that no one really knows how 2021 will progress. As a result, some races are looking at new and unique ways to get their races off the ground, and the Portland Marathon is one of those events with their newly announced Limited Edition Portland Marathon coming up this April.
**NOTE – This does NOT replace the October Portland Marathon
There are a variety of new pieces to this event (which takes place on a familiar course), so we will copy some important notes.
Registration for this race will function similar to a “Kickstarter” campaign. The race will only happen if all 700 entries are sold prior to the registration deadline of 11:59PM on December 31, 2020. If all 700 entries are sold prior to the deadline, the race will move forward and all registered runners will receive an email stating the confirmation of their race. See additional details on the Registration Page. If the race does not sell out before the deadline, the event will be cancelled and all registered runners will receive a full refund. This is the only scenario in which runners will receive a refund of their entry fees.
Unlike the traditional Portland Marathon, it will not be possible to withdraw from this race and receive a refund; nor will it be possible to defer your entry to a future year of the Portland Marathon. Once registration is complete, your entry is locked in and cannot be undone. However, it will be possible to transfer your entry to another individual per the usual Portland Marathon transfer policy. See the Transfer page for additional details.
I know that this is a bit of risk up front, but rest assured that if the event is confirmed and THEN canceled (say, because of COVID). Under this scenario, registered runners would receive a free entry to a future Portland Marathon race as well as an OYO Portland race entry.
Not that face masks will be required while in the race. There are a variety of other COVID protocols and I recommend checking them out on their site. The price is high, but also comes with a Coaching Program for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, and tailored specifically for the race course. Also included are:
- Free Race Photos and Highlight video
- Finisher’s Meal
- Live Tracking (as spectators are not involved)
- Shirts & Medals
Limited Edition Portland Marathon (Portland)
When: April 19-25, 2021; The first wave each day begins at 5:45AM, and the last wave begins at 6:00PM. Wave assignments may not be made until several weeks prior to race week.
Where: Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI)
Register: Online; $299
Packet Pickup: There will be no expo due to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, runners must pick up their packets the day before their race day. Location and hours TBA.
