KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Quick Info

  • Race Date: Oct. 6, 2024
  • Health and Lifestyle Expo: Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at a TBD location
  • Start Time: The marathon begins at 7:00 AM and half marathon begins at 7:15 AM.
  • Course: See course maps
  • Parking: The start and finish lines for both the marathon and half marathon are located at 1000 SW Naito Pkwy. This Parking Map shows the parking facilities that surround the venue.
  • Live Tracking Presented by TOYOTA: Get text alerts and track athletes here

Health and Lifestyle Expo

The Health and Lifestyle Expo will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024 (the eve of the race) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at a TBD location

RunPortland Coaching Program coach Paul Carmona will give course presentations and hold Q&A sessions at 12:30 and 3:30 PM.

A photo ID is required to pick up your race packet. We will allow individuals to pick up someone else's bag, but will require a digital or hardcopy of the person's ID and a written note authorizing them to do so.

If you will be arriving in town after the expo is closed or are otherwise unable to attend the expo, you may elect to pick up your packet and bag on race morning or have it shipped to you for an additional fee. This option may be selected during registration or can be added later after completing the registration process.

The Health and Lifestyle Expo will feature sponsors and vendors from the local and national running industry, as well as multiple non-profit race partners. If you are interested in exhibiting at the Expo, please visit our Vendor Page or contact us at info@portlandmarathon.com.

Race Morning

Arrival Time

Staging will be allowed in the start venue as early as 4:30 AM and all runners are encouraged to arrive no later than 6:30 AM. Those arriving in any manner other than on foot should plan for significant extra travel time upon reaching downtown.

Parking

Both the marathon and the half marathon start and finish at the same location. The pre-race staging area is located in Portland's Waterfront Park at 1000 SW Naito Pkwy. Dozens of hotels are located within walking distance of the venue and runners staying at those hotels are encouraged to leave their cars at their hotels. Portlanders and others who plan to arrive at the start venue from farther away and require parking facilities for their cars are encouraged to plan for at least 45 minutes to park their car and walk to the start venue after arriving in downtown. Please utilize the Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health Parking Map to identify nearby parking facilities and keep in mind that these facilities require payment.

Because most race participants attempt to park as near as possible to the start/finish venue, those facilities closest to the start line will fill up early on race morning. To avoid potential delays due to full lots, runners are encouraged to plan to park at a facility somewhat removed from the start/finish venue if they arrive later in the morning. Also keep in mind that those who park at facilities nearest the start/finish venue will encounter the longest delays as they exit the area after the race.

Upon arriving at the finish venue, spectators may utilize the same parking facilities that are recommended for participants. It is very unlikely that parking will be available in the facilities nearest the start/finish venue by the time spectators begin to arrive and they should therefore plan to park at facilities that are slightly more removed from the venue. Spectators should expect to pay for parking and should anticipate delayed travel throughout the downtown area.

Those who plan to be dropped off at the start venue by another driver should arrange to be dropped off at a location well removed from the start line and proceed to the staging venue on foot. Please do not attempt to be dropped off directly at the staging venue as extreme traffic congestion will result.

Start Area

The staging area is located in the blocks of Waterfront Park between Salmon St and Columbia St along Naito Pkwy. Abundant restrooms will be available along with water and electrolyte beverage. Runners will be entertained by music and awed by the sunrise on the banks of the Willamette River as they await the start of the race. Volunteers will be on-hand to answer questions and take care of last-minute needs. Medical personnel will be present to service unexpected medical needs.

For those who purchase the premium Race Morning Packet Pickup option, packets will be available in the designated tent in the Waterfront Park beginning at 4:30 AM. This will be located at the plaza fountain area at Salmon & Naito. Note that this option is only applicable for those who pre-purchase the service; all other participants are required to attend the Expo (or have a surrogate attend for them) to pick up their packets.

Weather

Although conditions may vary greatly from year to year, historical temperature averages for race day are a low of 50 and a high of 67 degrees. Historical chance of precipitation on race day is roughly 25%.

Drop Bags

In case of cold weather, runners are encouraged to bring warm clothing that can be worn at the staging area and removed prior to the start of the race. This clothing, along with any other personal items, may be placed in the Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health drop bags that are provided at packet pickup. Upon giving each runner their drop bag, a volunteer will remove the top tear tag of the runner's bib and loop it around the handles of the bag. In this manner the bags are identifiable by bib number and runners are required to use only these bags rather than personal bags for the gear drop area.

Drop bags should be handed to volunteers in the designated area no later than 6:30 AM. After finishing the race, runners may retrieve their drop bag by showing their bib number to the volunteers, who will bring the bag to the runner. To prevent theft, runners will not be allowed in the designated area. Runners are also encouraged to not place any valuable or important items in their drop bags as the Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Timing & Bibs

The races will be chip-timed using timing tags adhered to the back of your bib. Your time will begin when you cross the starting line, not at the start gun, and will stop when you cross the finish line. Overall prize winners (top 3 in each race) for the marathon and half marathon will be determined by gun time, not chip time. Please do not tamper with the timing chips as they cannot be replaced once linked to your bib number.

Because the timing tag is adhered to the back of your race bib, it is important that you do not cover your bib with clothing or other objects that may interfere with the tag reader when you are crossing the start and finish lines. Furthermore, in order to ensure that race volunteers, officials, and photographers can properly identify you, you must wear your bib on the front of your person in an unobstructed position. If the photographers along the course cannot see your bib number, you will not be able to retrieve your free race photos.

Race Start Times & Staging Procedures

Beginning at 6:30 AM all runners may line up in the start chute on Naito Pkwy.

Half Marathon runners will line up on Naito Pkwy north of Salmon St. Faster pace groups will stage closest to Salmon St and slower pace groups will stage farther north towards Morrison St.

Marathon runners will line up on Naito Pkwy south of Salmon St. Faster pace groups will stage closest to Salmon St and slower pace groups will stage farther south towards Columbia St.

Large markers denoting various paces will line the start chute and runners will be directed to queue in the zone which marks their expected pace.

The marathon race begins at 7:00 AM and half marathon will begin at 7:15 AM. Both races start en masse, there will not be waves or fixed corrals. All runners will remain in their start chutes prior to the designated race start time. Marathon runners will first be channeled to the start line and occupy the full width of the roadway upon starting the race, followed by half marathon runners doing the same shortly after. The start line is located near the World Trade Center skybridge above Salmon St.

Course

The Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health event includes a full marathon as well as a half marathon. Both races start and finish at Portland's Waterfront Park at 1000 SW Naito Pkwy at the intersection of Naito Pkwy and Salmon St. Both courses offer a fast elevation profile with the start/finish line only 36 feet above sea level, and a maximum course elevation of just 178 feet.

You can read more about the course at the Course Map page

Marathon Course Description

The fast and beautiful Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health route is the best way to experience the Rose City. With four epic bridge crossings, a downtown start and finish, and a tour through some of the most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods in town, the Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health offers the most unique race experience to be found.

The race begins at the intersection of Naito Parkway and Salmon St at Portland's famous Waterfront Park on the banks of the Willamette River. From the startline runners head west on Salmon St to Lownsdale Square before turning right to travel north on SW 4th Ave through the heart of downtown. Crossing Burnside St, the route loops around Old Town before plunging back into downtown on Broadway.

Leaving downtown the route jogs west to the eclectic NW 23rd Ave where runners will enjoy the uniquely Portland landmarks of Salt & Straw ice cream parlor and the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium. Runners then return east and make their way through the revitalized Pearl District to the Broadway Bridge.

Crossing the Broadway Bridge the route enters the Rose Quarter, home of the historied Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the Moda Center. Runners will get an up-close tour of the Moda Center, home of the Portland Trail Blazers, as they run through the middle of campus on the famous Center Court Street. Completing the loop around the Rose Quarter, runners return to Broadway and head back across the Willamette to the Pearl District via the Broadway Bridge.

From the Broadway Bridge runners wind through Old Town before traveling south on Naito Parkway, following the banks of the river along Waterfront Park and passing directly by the start/finish venue at Salmon St just after reaching mile 8. The route then continues south on SW 1st Ave and Naito Parkway to access the South Waterfront on Macadam Ave.

Runners continue south on Macadam and use the beautiful Sellwood Bridge to enter the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood, where they will reach the half marathon mark while enjoying the breathtaking views from the bluff on Sellwood Blvd.

The route then uses Bybee Blvd to enter the charming and historic Eastmoreland neighborhood. Runners will follow the golf course to the south on Crystal Springs Blvd and then loop north on arguably the most enchanting road in Portland, Reed College Place. Engulfed by the towering trees and handsome homes, runners will continue north across Woodstock Blvd to enter the campus of Reed College.

Enthusiastic students ("Reedies") will cheer runners on as they loop through campus, passing the stunning Tudor-Gothic style architecture and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the most unique and esteemed colleges in the world. Finishing the loop around campus, the route returns south for another jog down the opposite side of Reed College Place before heading west to re-enter Sellwood-Moreland.

Runners then use Milwaukie Ave to travel north into the quaint Brooklyn neighborhood, where they will run underneath the Ross Island Bridge. The route then connects onto the beautiful Eastbank Esplanade and runs along the banks of the river as it passes underneath the Tilikum Crossing Bridge. While on the Esplanade runners will pass directly between the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) and its famous submarine, the USS Blueblack, before passing under the Marquam Bridge and using Clay St to exit the Esplanade and travel north on Water Ave.

With just over one mile to go the route crosses the Willamette for the fourth and final time as it heads over the Burnside Bridge, running directly towards the iconic White Stag sign in the distance. Runners take a final loop around Old Town and then head south on Naito Parkway for the final sprint to the finish at Waterfront Park.

Half Marathon Course Description

The fast and beautiful Portland Half Marathon route is the best way to experience the Rose City. With two epic bridge crossings, a downtown start and finish, and a tour through some of the most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods in town, the Portland Half Marathon offers the most unique race experience to be found.

The race begins at the intersection of Naito Parkway and Salmon Street at Portland's famous Waterfront Park on the banks of the Willamette River. The half marathon route follows the marathon route, heading west on Salmon St to Lownsdale Square before turning right to travel north on SW 4th Ave through the heart of downtown. Crossing Burnside Street, the route does a quick loop through Chinatown and returns to Naito Parkway via Davis St.

The route continues south on Naito Parkway and runs directly under the Portland Aerial Tram to access the South Waterfront on Macadam Ave. Runners make their way through the heart of South Portland on this flat, tree-lined section.

Continuing south on Macadam runners use the beautiful Sellwood Bridge to enter the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood, passing the area's charming homes while enjoying the breathtaking views from the bluff on Sellwood Blvd. Runners will follow Sellwood Blvd. to SE 13th Ave and continue onto Bybee Blvd. before taking a left at SE 22nd Ave.

Runners then use Reedway St to reach Milwaukie Ave and travel north into the quaint Brooklyn neighborhood, where they will run underneath the Ross Island Bridge. The route then connects onto the beautiful Eastbank Esplanade and runs along the banks of the river as it passes underneath the Tilikum Crossing Bridge. While on the Esplanade runners will pass directly between the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) and its famous submarine, the USS Blueblack, before passing under the Marquam Bridge and using Clay St to exit the Esplanade and travel north on Water Ave.

With just over one mile to go the route crosses the Willamette again as it heads over the Burnside Bridge, running directly towards the iconic White Stag sign in the distance. Runners take a final loop around Old Town and then head south on Naito Parkway for the final sprint to the finish at Waterfront Park.

Start/Finish Venue

The following map details the start/finish venue. Click on the map to load the high resolution version.

Aid Stations

In the interactive course map above, aid stations are indicated with black boxes containing white letters "A" through "P". All aid stations will be supplied with water, electrolyte beverage, porta-potties, muscle pain relief gel, basic first aid supplies, and medical personnel. Additionally, various aid stations will be supplied with energy gels and fruit. When passing an aid station, runners will always be offered the electrolyte beverage first and water second.

For the marathon there will be an aid station every two miles between mile 3 and mile 15, and an aid station every mile between mile 16 and 26. Full marathon participants will therefore pass 18 aid stations during the race.

For the half marathon there will be an aid station every mile beginning at mile 2.5. Half marathon participants will therefore pass 10 aid stations during the race.

Runners are encouraged to leave all discarded clothing, cups, wrappers, and other items at aid stations as opposed to anywhere else along the course. Any clothing items left at aid stations or along the course will be donated to local charities.

Course Safety

Race volunteers and police officers will be present at all major intersections and turns on the courses to guide runners and stop traffic when necessary. Please follow their directions at all times in order to ensure your safety. Runners who are found in violation of volunteer or law enforcement instructions while on the course may be subject to disqualification. Please stay within the boundaries of the designated lanes of traffic throughout the entire race. Where applicable, runners are required to stay on the appropriate side of cone lines. Although earphones are allowed on the course, it is recommended that volume be kept low and/or only one earbud be used so that surrounding noises are audible to each runner. Alternatively, out-of-ear devices such as Shokz are encouraged as they allow for superb music quality without compromising ambient sounds.

Medical

Every aid station on the course will be supplied with a first-aid kit that will include items such as bandages, moleskin, vaseline, anti-inflammatories, etc. If you are in need of any of these items, simply stop and ask the volunteers at the aid station and they will be able to help you. Volunteers cannot dispense certain items unless specifically requested by the runner. In addition to the first-aid kits, various aid stations will be staffed by medical professionals who will be equipped with advanced medical supplies.

Multiple sag wagons and ambulances will be roaming the course to respond to any emergencies and transport runners who cannot continue to the finish line. A full-service medical tent will also be at the finish line, staffed by knowledgeable and competent medical professionals. Runners are encouraged to note any special medical considerations on the back of their bibs in case of emergencies.

Pacing Presented by TOYOTA

Pacers will be running both the full marathon and half marathon to lead everyone to a fast time.

The full marathon will include pacers at various Boston-qualifying paces, including:

  • 3:00 (Men's 18-34 BQ mark, 6:52/mile pace)
  • 3:05 (Men's 35-39 BQ mark, 7:03/mile pace)
  • 3:10 (Men's 40-44 BQ mark, 7:15/mile pace)
  • 3:20 (Men's 45-49 BQ mark, 7:37/mile pace)
  • 3:25 (Men's 50-54 BQ mark, 7:50/mile pace)
  • 3:30 (Women's 18-34 BQ mark, 8:00/mile pace)
  • 3:35 (Women's 35-39 & Men's 55-59 BQ mark, 8:12/mile pace)
  • 3:40 (Women's 40-44 BQ mark, 8:23/mile pace)
  • 3:50 (Women's 45-49 & Men's 60-64 BQ mark, 8:46/mile pace)
  • 4:05 (Women's 55-59 & Men's 65-69 BQ mark, 9:20/mile pace)
  • 4:20 (Women's 60-64 & Men's 70-74 BQ mark, 9:55/mile pace)
  • 4:40 (10:41/mile pace)
  • 5:00 (11:27/mile pace)
  • 6:33 (15:00/mile pace)

The half marathon will include pacers at the following paces:

  • 1:30 (6:52/mile pace)
  • 1:40 (7:38/mile pace)
  • 1:50 (8:24/mile pace)
  • 2:00 (9:10/mile pace)
  • 2:10 (9:55/mile pace)
  • 2:20 (10:41/mile pace)
  • 2:30 (11:26/mile pace)

Time Limits

Because the roads used for the race must be re-opened for normal traffic patterns, we are required to set course time limits that must be strictly adhered to. The course time limit for the full marathon is based on a 15:00 minute per mile pace, which is a light jog. This equates to a 6:33 marathon. The time limit for the half marathon is based on a 30:00 minute per mile pace, which is a leisurely walking pace. This equates to a 6:33 half marathon. These time limits will be enforced based on the time at which the last runner starts each race rather than the race start time.

Participants who have fallen behind the minimum required pace at each mile marker every fifteen minutes will be required to 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.

All participants who arrive at the railroad crossings slightly west of the intersection of SE Stark St & 2nd Ave (approximately mile 24.3 of the marathon) after 12:00 noon will be re-routed for the remaining 1.9 miles of the race. Their times will be valid as though they had ran the original course and they will continue to be supported at aid stations so long as they remain within the 15:00 minute per mile required pace. The finish line of the re-routed course is the same finish line as the regular course. This re-route will impact those running a pace of approximately 12:00 minutes per mile or slower (roughly 5:15:00 marathon time). This Re-Route Map shows the route that will be implemented after 12:00 noon.

Based on the USATF certification standards the course is measured on tangents or SPR-Shortest Possible Route. Therefore if you run on the inside or outside line the entire length of the race your GPS may reflect a distance slightly greater than 13.1 or 26.2. All variations of the course, including all instances of re-routes for train crossings, will be measured and certified so that all participants will run a certified course and will thus be eligible for Boston qualification regardless of re-routes.

Spectators

Spectators are welcomed and encouraged along the vast majority of the route. They should be considerate of public and private property and never interfere with the progress of any race participant. Spectators are required to follow the instructions of volunteers and law enforcement officers at all times.

Do not attempt to access any portion of the course by car that is off-limits to vehicles. Best practice is to park several blocks off of the race course and proceed to the desired spectating location on foot. Following this protocol will eliminate congestion and mitigate safety concerns. When choosing parking locations, do not park on private property or block access to any private property. The residents and business on and near the course deserve respect and should not be inconvenienced or negatively impacted by spectators. When cheering for runners in residential areas, spectators are asked to use considerate levels of noise - particularly in the earlier hours of the race.

The following portions of the route are off limits to spectators:

  • Broadway Bridge
  • Ross Island Way
  • Sellwood Bridge
  • McLoughlin Blvd
  • Eastbank Esplanade
  • Burnside Bridge

Upon arriving at the finish venue, spectators may utilize the same parking facilities that are recommended for participants on the Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health Parking Map. It is very unlikely that parking will be available in the facilities nearest the start/finish venue by the time spectators begin to arrive and they should therefore plan to park at facilities that are slightly more removed from the venue. Spectators should expect to pay for parking, and should anticipate delayed travel throughout the downtown area.

Marathon spectators wishing to support their runners from start to finish without doing any driving could follow this suggested strategy:

  • Start on SW 4th Ave between SW Alder St and SW Oak St (mile 0.5)
  • Head west three blocks to SW Broadway (mile 1.4)
  • *For those willing to walk quickly* Head north to NW Hoyt St between NW 9th Ave and NW Broadway (mile 5)
  • Go east to Naito Pkwy anywhere between the Burnside Bridge and Hawthorne Bridge (mile 8)
  • Use the pedestrian sidewalk of the Hawthorne Bridge to cross the river to SE Water Ave (mile 24)
  • Return across the Hawthorne Bridge for the finish at SW Salmon St and Naito Pkwy

Half marathon spectators wishing to support their runners from start to finish without doing any driving could follow this suggested strategy:

  • Start on the corner of NW Couch and Naito Parkway (mile 1)
  • Use the pedestrian sidewalk of the Hawthorne Bridge to cross the river to SE Water Ave (mile 11)
  • Return across the Hawthorne Bridge for the finish at SW Salmon St and Naito Pkwy

On-course entertainment

The Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health has a tremendous history of on-course support. In addition to the spectators lining the route, multiple local groups and personalities have been engaged to stake out certain stretches along course to provide encouragement and entertainment for all participants.

Neighborhood Cheer Challenge

Portland is comprised of 95 unique neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has a distinctive history, culture, and citizenry. The Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health unites Portland's neighborhoods with its runners through the Neighborhood Cheer Challenge.

Each neighborhood association is given the opportunity to take over a short stretch of the race course and make it their own. They are encouraged to bring signage, play music, and create decorations that all represent their unique neighborhood identity. Above all, they are encouraged to make the runners experience unforgettable.

On the day following the race, runners receive an email with a link to vote for the neighborhood association that they feel most contributed to their experience. The top five associations will receive a financial donation from the race as well as traveling trophies that can be displayed in their association offices.

Finish Venue

The finish line for both races is located at the same intersection as the start lines. The same zone that is used for the start area will be converted into the finish venue. For more information regarding the Finish Festival and food & beverage provided for runners at the finish venue, please see the Runner Perks section. For information regarding drop bags, please see the Race Morning section.

Trains & Buses

Plans have been implemented to ensure that no participants are stopped by trains or buses during the race.

TriMet's MAX Light Rail system blankets Portland with hundreds of miles of rail. Although there are many locations where the race course crosses light rail tracks and bus routes, there are only four of these locations at which trains or buses will actively cross during the hours of the race. These locations are:

When runners arrive at these four locations they may be detoured if a train or bus is currently crossing the route. The short detours are shown in the maps available by clicking each location above. Light blue lines represent the route taken by all runners; purple lines represent the regular route most runners will take; and red lines represent detour routes that will be briefly implemented only when train or bus crossings need to occur.

In addition to the light rail crossings, the race route also crosses Union Pacific freight rails near mile 24.3 of the marathon, slightly west of the intersection of SE Stark St & 2nd Ave. All freight train traffic on race day will be cancelled at this location until 12:00 noon so that no runners will ever be stopped by a train crossing if they arrive by 11:59 AM. Because the restriction on trains ends at 12:00, a re-route will occur at this location once train traffic recommenses. All participants who arrive at this crossing after 12:00 noon will be re-routed for the remaining 1.9 miles of the race. Their times will be valid as though they had ran the original course and they will continue to be supported at aid stations so long as they remain within the 15:00 minute per mile required pace. This re-route will impact those running a pace of approximately 12:00 minutes per mile or slower (roughly 5:15:00 marathon time). This Re-Route Map shows the route that will be implemented after 12:00 noon. The finish line of the re-routed course is the same finish line as the regular course.

All variations of the course, including all instances of re-routes for train crossings, have been measured and certified so that all participants will run a certified course and will thus be eligible for Boston qualification regardless of re-routes. Every iteration of both the full and half marathon routes equal the specified 26.2 or 13.1 miles as required for certification.

See more information regarding trains and buses on course.

Kids Run at the Portland Marathon

Join us on race day for the Kids Run at the Portland Marathon! Young participants will get a taste of running the real marathon as they start and finish their race under the start arch for the marathon and half marathon.

Kids Run at the Portland Marathon will be a chip-timed race and will take place at 11:30 AM on Race Day (October 1, 2023). Registration is open to kids of all ages. All participants will receive a finisher ribbon, shirt, and race bib with attached timing chip. Registration is available on the main registration page.

Runners for the Kids Run are encouraged to pick up their packets at the Portland Marathon Health and Lifestyle Expo along with all other race participants. The Health and Lifestyle Expo will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Oregon Convention Center (777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd). Race packets may alternatively be picked up on race day between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM at the Darigold FIT Kids Run start line.

The race route can be viewed here. The start line is located on Salmon St between 1st Ave and Naito Pkwy, under the main start arch. The race starts at the main start arch on Salmon St, takes participants on a 1-mile out-and-back loop, concluding their race at the start arch in the exact same place as where they began.

Older children will be directed to line up nearest to the start line, and younger children will line up towards the back. One parent or guardian may escort their child along the route, but this is not required. Strollers are allowed, although they will be directed to line up at the back of the pack at the start line.

Entries for the Kids Run at the Portland Marathon will fill up fast, so register now!

Perks

Portland is the birthplace of modern distance running. It is the city that running calls home. More than any race in the world, the Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health focuses on putting the runner first. Runners receive the following perks to make their race experience memorable.

Free Photos & Highlight Videos

Multiple photographers will be stationed at roughly eight locations along the course to take pictures of your race experience. Be sure to smile big, make a tough face, or strike a pose for the cameras as you go by - race signage will give you advance warning to let you know when you are approaching a photography spot. Please make sure your bib is visible during the race as that is the only way to link your photos to you. Photographers will also be at the finish to capture your sprint across the line and take your photos in front of our backdrops.

All race photos will be provided to runners absolutely free of charge. The Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health philosophy is that a runner should be able to remember and share her incredible race experience without paying ridiculous fees. In addition to the complimentary photos, the Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health films and produces a short highlight video of the race. All runners receive a free copy of this video and are given the opportunity to personalize it with their own race photos, video clips of themselves running past timing checkpoints, and customized text. Photos will be made available shortly after the race along with results on the Results Page. Runners receive a link via email a few weeks after the race to select photos and insert text to generate their highlight videos.

Swag

Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health swag and sponsor swag will be available for pickup at the Expo. If rain is in the forecast all runners will receive a poncho in their race packets. Iced towels will be handed out in the Runner Services area as soon as runners cross the finish line.

Transfer, Withdrawal & Deferral Policy

Life happens. You shouldn't have to worry about what to do if you end up not being able to participate in the race, and you shouldn't have to pay for race insurance that you might not use. Our generous policies allow you to transfer your bib to another person, defer your entry to next year, or withdraw from the race altogether and receive a refund. Runners can exercise these options at any time within the given timeframes for any reason whatsoever. Visit the Transfer, Withdrawal, & Deferral Page for more details.

Shirts & Medals

Quality permeates every aspect of the Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health, including the industry-leading shirts and medals - both of which are sourced through Portland-based organizations.

Runners will have a choice to receive a performance tech shirt, or, for a small upgrade fee, a tri-blend shirt. The tech shirt is privately labeled and is made of a blend of polyester and spandex, making it one of the smoothest and most comfortable race shirts in your collection. The tri-blend is a soft, comfortable blend of cotton, polyester and rayon. No matter which shirt you choose, the flattering construction and modern design make it a shirt you will actually wear after race day. Although shirt size is selected during the registration process, runners may exchange their shirts for any other available size at the Shirt Exchange booth at the Expo if the selected size does not fit, free of charge. Additional race shirts will also be available for purchase at the Expo.

The medal is a rich tribute to the unique character and history of Portland. Made from a zinc-alloy mold and larger than the run-of-the-mill comparables, this is a medal that will make your neck just as sore as your legs. The Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health proudly supports I Run 4 Michael (IR4) participants and provides additional medals for "buddies" free of charge.

Finish Line Festivities

Regardless of whether you PR or post a dreaded DNF, the Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health finish line will be ready to celebrate with you or provide a needed pick-me-up.

All participants of legal age will be granted access to the finish line beer garden and receive a complimentary, Oregon-brewed beer. Runners have the option of being carded at the Info booth at the Expo to receive a beer garden wrist band, or presenting proper ID at the entrance to the garden. Race bibs will have a tear-tag on the bottom of the bib that may be removed and redeemed for the free drink. Additional drinks may be purchased.

Outside the beer garden, runners can look forward to chilled protein drinks, electrolyte beverage, and water. Fruits and carbohydrates will also be available. Finally, race bibs will have a tear-tag on the bottom of the bib that may be removed and redeemed for a uniquely Portland culinary treat.

Photo backdrops and other photo op sets will be set up around the finish festival area, with professional photographers on hand to capture the moment. Local personalities will also make appearances and provide once-in-a-lifetime photo ops and unforgettable meet & greets.

Results & Awards

All runners will receive a large, thick, and beautifully designed result card at the Results & Awards tent at the finish venue free of charge. Cards are available for printing immediately as runners finish the race. Each card indicates the runner's time, overall and age division place, along with team name and Boston Marathon qualification notice if applicable. Those who qualify for the Boston Marathon receive a complimentary luggage tag indicating their qualification at the Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health.

Age division awards (1st, 2nd, & 3rd) and overall awards (top 3 men and women) for the marathon and half marathon will be also be available at the Results & Awards tent. Age divisions will be based on standard USATF guidelines. Team awards will be mailed to team captains after the race.

Travel

PDX Airport

If you are traveling to the Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health, the closest airport is Portland International Airport (PDX). PDX is located just 11 miles from the Expo and race start & finish lines.

Where To Stay In Portland

We are pleased to announce our partnership with Embassy Suites By Hilton - Portland Downtown as our Official Hotel Partner.

This exclusive Portland Marathon Rate includes:

  • Complimentary guestroom wireless internet access
  • Discounted valet parking rate of $35/night (with in and out privileges)
  • Early 5AM pre-race light breakfast on race day (in addition to our complimentary daily hot breakfast during our normal breakfast hours)
  • Complimentary 3pm late check out on race day (subject to availability/upon request)

How to get around

Depending on your choice of lodging, it is possible to get around to the essentials during race week without a rental car. The race start/finish area located at 1000 SW Naito Pkwy is just over a mile walk from the Expo at the Oregon Convention Center. Staying somewhere nearby will allow you to do race weekend completely on foot - the way it was meant to be in Portland.

Local Transportation

Getting around to experience more of Portland is made easy by the incredible local transportation options available.

  • MAX Light Rail

    At the heart of Portland's world-class public transportation system is MAX Light Rail, with 97 stations and 60 miles of track connecting the city, PDX airport, and the surrounding region. Riding MAX will help you avoid potential traffic delays while taking in everything Portland has to offer. The Blue, Green, and Red lines all include stops at the Oregon Convention Center for easy access to the Expo.

  • Portland Streetcar

    In addition to MAX Light Rail, Portland Streetcar also offers fast and convenient service throughout the city. This modern-day streetcar connects visitors to the Pearl and Llyod Districts, Portland State University, the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI), and other must-see locations.

  • Portland by bike

    Portland is known as Bike City, USA. Those who prefer two wheels to four will feel right at home as they experience Portland on the paths. The city's amazing bike share program, Biketown, makes getting around town fast and fun without breaking the bank. Biketown's 1,000 bright orange eight-speed bicycles are equipped with integrated baskets, front and rear lights and reflective paint jobs. They also carry communications, payment and locking technology, making them easy to find, reserve, park and ride throughout the central city. Check out Travel Portland's favorite rides and maps to help plan your adventure.

Rental Cars

If your plans to experience Portland include venturing outside the realm of Max Light Rail and Portland Streetcar, the Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health has partnered with Enterprise & National to get you the best rates possible. Book your rental car using this booking link.

*** Material contributed by Travel Portland

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