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General Info

History and Accolades:For many years the Portland Marathon has been rated as one of the premier marathon events in the United States. It has been ranked as one of the top 10 local road race events in the U.S, and one of the top 40 races of all types and distances.

Runner's World has called the Portland Marathon "the best people's marathon in the West" and for the past ten years has ranked it as one of the top 10 or 15 marathons in the country. Runner's World also states that "perhaps more than any other running event in the country, this race keeps evolving, keeps getting better". Runner's World has chosen the Portland Marathon as the "Race of the Month" and said the event is one of the "friendliest, best organized, most family-oriented races in the country."

Marathon & Beyond gives us one of the highest point totals for excellence. We are also very proud of previous rankings by the Ultimate Guide to Marathons which has listed the Portland Marathon as:

"The best organized Marathon in North America"

"One of the top 3 marathons to do as a first marathon"

Since 1998 more than half the finishers of the Portland Marathon (runners + walkers), have been female! Last year 58% of our finishers were female.

Walker Friendliest Marathon

The past two years, 1/4 of our participants have been walkers. We are fortunate to have a great course that allows us to stay open for 8 hours. We were thrilled to have been listed by Runner's World in its October 2004 issue "as the most walker friendly marathon in the US."

With our 4500 dedicated volunteers, our event is proud of its motto: "All finishers are treated as winners!"

Weather The normal mean Portland temperature for early October is 55 degrees. Rainfall for October 1st averages .02 inches. The estimated normal mean temperature at 7:00 a.m. is 50 and 61 at 12:00 noon. It has rained only twice on the Portland Marathon in the last 28 years.

Entertainment - Best in the West It is believed the Portland Marathon now has the nation's largest variety of live entertainment and music along the course. In past years this has included rock, jazz and country bands, a brass fanfare, street performers, a mandolin orchestra, a jug band, two 18 piece big bands, a dixieland band, and aerobic dancers among many others. We attract additional entertainment every year. Last year, over 70 groups entertained for the marathoners, the five-milers and walkers at 39 locations. Another 15 groups of cheerleaders also helped to bring high energy along our course.

Sports Authority Sports and Fitness Expo

The 25th Annual Sports & Fitness Expo, sponsored by Sports Authority is, Friday, Oct. 8th, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 9th from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., in the Ballroom and Exhibit Hall of the downtown Hilton Portland.

Fun and informative, the free Expo focuses on health screening checks and demonstrations; sports medicine and fitness programs; innovative fitness clothing, shoes and training aids; and other run and walk related products and services.

In addition, everyone is invited to attend free lectures during Expo hours by local and national sports medicine specialists and noted personalities in the running and walking community. For a complete schedule of Expo speakers click here.