Run Through the Rose City at the 2024 Portland Marathon

It’s Fall, which means it’s pumpkin flavored everything, vest season, and most importantly to runners, the 2024 Portland Marathon/Half Marathon/10k. It’s kind of a big deal here, and this year, it falls on October 6th. Even better, in addition to the marathon and half marathon, runners have a new distance they can register for this year, the 10k!

The Portland Marathon was my first marathon ever, and when it came under new leadership and the course changed in 2019, I ran it again (and again after that.) I’ve always said that the currencourse feels as though it was planned by someone who loved the city and wanted out-of-towners to get to see the best of it. The race begins and ends at Waterfront Park at Naito Pkwy and Salmon St and is relatively flat with a max course elevation of 178 feet. You can check out the course here.

I’m not going to lie, race morning will be a bit of a circus downtown. Though the marathon and 10k start at 7:00AM (followed by the half at 7:15AM,) you’ll want to get downtown early. Check out the parking map so you can start planning for it now. Runners will begin lining up at 6:30AM on Naito Pkwy.

Aid stations will be every two or so miles between miles 3 and 15 and every mile between miles 16 and 26. For half marathon participants, there will be aid every mile beginning at mile 2.5. Those doing the 10k will have one aid station at mile 3. Aid stations will be stocked with water, electrolyte beverage, and various first aid items as well as porta-potties. Some aid stations will also have GU energy gels and fruit.

Portland encourages spectators to participate in the Neighborhood Cheer Challenge to help participants along. With 95 unique neighborhoods throughout Portland, there are lots of chances to show your support!

All registrants for this event will pick up their race gear at the Oregon Convention Center at the race expo and it’s really one of the best expos around! Expect some great swag and a boost of excitement before race day! Runners will have the choice of a performance tech shirt or (for a small upgrade fee,) a tri-blend shirt and they will have the opportunity to exchange their shirts if needed when they pick them up at the expo.

After you receive your finisher’s medal (which is always of the highest quality!) head to the finish line beer garden for a complimentary Oregon-brewed beer.  Outside of the beer garden there are also chilled protein drinks, electrolyte beverages, and water along with fruit and some other treats.

If you’ve never run the Portland Marathon, it’s something you should experience at least once. If you want a little less of a commitment, the half marathon and 10k are great options as well.