Run Oregon loves the Columbia Gorge, and Hood River is one of those places we never really need an excuse to visit. Great food, breweries, the river, the Fruit Loop, waterfalls, hiking and enough beautiful scenery to make you forget you’re supposed to be paying attention to the road.
So a fall race that combines all of that with a run through the Gorge? Yeah, we LOVE it.
The Columbia Gorge Marathon & Half Marathon returns to Hood River October 17-18, 2026, with a full weekend of running that includes Saturday’s 5K and 10K before Sunday’s marathon, half marathon, half marathon relay and Dog Leg Half.
And while we’ve written about this race before — including our 2023 Columbia Gorge Half Marathon recap — the basic appeal hasn’t changed much. This is one of those races where the scenery is a pretty legitimate distraction from the fact that you’re running.
Running Through the Gorge
The full and half marathon courses follow the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, with both races heading east from Hood River. The half marathon heads toward Mosier and the Mosier Twin Tunnels before turning around, while marathon runners continue farther into the Gorge before making their way back toward Hood River.
The full marathon is 26.2 miles with about 1,882 feet of elevation gain, while the half comes in at 1,112 feet. Both are entirely paved, and the largest listed hill is a 5% grade.
But the better way to describe this course is simply: look around every once in a while.
There will be fall foliage, sweeping views of the Columbia River and plenty of those classic Gorge landscapes that make Hood River such a good place for a running weekend. The race organizers also describe the course as a run through the fall colors along the banks of the Columbia River.
One of the things we like about this event is that it doesn’t require you to be chasing a marathon PR to enjoy it. Walkers are welcome, and there are early-start options for both marathoners and registered half marathon walkers who want some additional time on the course. The finish line closes at 3 p.m.
A Whole Weekend in Hood River
One of the best parts of this race is that you don’t necessarily have to make the trip solely about Sunday’s 13.1 or 26.2 miles.
The 2026 event now starts on Saturday with a free kids’ community 1K along with the 5K and 10K, followed by music and a waterfront celebration. Sunday brings the longer distances, with everything finishing at the Hood River Event Site. That’s a pretty great setup for a fall weekend in Hood River.
Come early, get some miles in, grab some food, explore the Gorge and try not to eat too much before race morning. Or ignore that last part. We’re not your coach.
For the runners, registration includes a custom finisher medal, catered post-race meal, and a custom Columbia Gorge beanie for marathon and half marathon participants.
Afterward, the finish-line festivities include a fajita taco lunch from Spin Catering along with fresh apples and Ryan’s Apple Cider.
Race Day Details
The marathon starts at 8:30 a.m., with a new optional 7:30 a.m. early start for marathoners expecting to need six hours or more. Half marathoners have several start groups, including an early option for registered walkers and a separate Dog Leg start.
Marathon runners should also pay attention to the shuttle situation since the full marathon start requires transportation from the Hood River Event Site. Packet pickup is available Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, with marathon runners encouraged to get their packets before boarding the shuttle.
Aid stations are positioned roughly every 1 to 3 miles and offer water, Gatorade, bananas, GU and snacks.
Make a Weekend of It
Honestly, this is where the Columbia Gorge Marathon makes the most sense to us.
You could drive to Hood River, run 13.1 miles and immediately drive home. Or you could make an actual weekend of it. If you do, check out our stay at the Historic Hood River Hotel.
October is also a pretty great time to be in the Gorge. The leaves are changing, the temperatures are generally more runner-friendly than summer, and you get to experience one of Oregon’s most scenic areas without having to climb into the mountains for an ultra.
