THE MARATHON: 2023 Portland Marathon

There is simply nothing like a marathon. It is a challenge that requires months of physical, mental, and emotional preparation. It is an experience that will be more than the participant can predict. And it will be totally worth that medal at the finish line. I promise.

I’ve completed the Portland Marathon multiple times. Sometimes it is amazing. Sometimes it is all kinds of hard. And sometimes (aka 2022) it is when the sidewalk feels like fire. And I don’t regret a single sign up.

There is still time for you to sign up for the Portland Marathon, or join in the Half Marathon if that is the right distance for your day. Both events start on SW Naito by Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park at 7am on Sunday, October 1.

The courses will crisscross the city via multiple bridges, neighborhoods, and essential landmarks. The bridges are my worst enemies on the way up and my best friends ever when coming back down again. And the views in the middle are perfect excuses to pause for a photo or two.

Aid stations are well placed throughout the course, with 10 on the half marathon course and 18 for the marathon participants. All aid stations will be supplied with water, electrolyte beverage, porta-potties, muscle pain relief gel, basic first aid supplies, and medical personnel.

Participants will receive an iced towel or foil blanket depending on the weather needs at the finish line. The finish line is also where you receive your well-earned medal. Then strut your stuff through the food carts, beer garden, and drop-bag pick up to get all the recovery resources you needed.

As a non-fast runner, I appreciate knowing the time limits for races to ensure that I can get to finish line in time. The time limit 6:33, which is a 15-minute mile for the marathon and a 30-minute mile for the half marathon. Participants below this pace must move off of the roadway and continue as an unsupported pedestrian, or consent to be picked up and transported by a race SAG vehicle.

All participants who arrive at the finish line, regardless of their manner of arrival, will receive a medal.

The Portland Marathon is a chance to run the city and own the streets like no other day. Join in as a runner, a walker, a volunteer, or a cheerleader. You won’t regret it.