For those of you who may be looking for a good, fast, out-of-town marathon, the Portland Marathon would be a great choice. I’ve run this event the last two years, and I plan on returning for as long as I’m running the distance. Here’s why:
The Weather - the 2001 event will be held September 30th, which usually has ideal marathon weather. Forget that it rained the first few miles in 2000 (the first rain on race day in many years, according to locals); marathon morning is usually cloudy, and the temperature usually doesn’t get above 65 degrees.
The Course - the marathon starts and ends in lovely downtown Portland, which is quite “green,” sprinkled with parks, trees, and numerous statues commemorating the history of the city and state. There are only two minor hills, and two bridges are integrated into the course (the St. Johns Bridge and Steel Bridge, both crossing the Willamette River). According to race officials, over 30% of experienced runners set a PR at Portland.
The Awards - the “Ultimate Guide to Marathons” named the 1996 and 1998 runnings “the best organized Marathon in North America.”
The People - Portlands show up en masse to support the event along the entire length of the course. There are aid stations every 2 miles, plus locals ready with vaseline, gummy bears, water, fruit and other assorted goodies.
The Entertainment - Portland averages 10-12 “unofficial” entertainment stations, including a reggae band, a bagpipe duo, several rock groups, a string quartet, belly dancers, and the Keystone Kops.
The Food - Portland has one of the best post-race spreads - bagels, ice cream, yogurt, several kinds of fruit, cookies, etc.
The “Bounty' - The T-shirt is long-sleeved, and given only to finishers. In addition, you get a medal, a certificate, a rose, and a pine sapling to take with you and plant back home.
Lastly, Portland is easily accessible by most major airlines from all Southern California airports. Beginning in either 2001 or 2002, the light rail system will be operating from the airport to downtown (where the start/finish is, as well as numerous hotels and the expo); when this expansion is completed, a rental car will be optional! Anyone interested in getting more information bout this event should check out www.portlandmarathon.org.