MARATHON WEEKEND

Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Race Questions

Where and when is the pre-race Expo and packet pick-up?

The expo is held at our host hotel, the Hilton Portland ((503)226-1611) on Friday, October 8th from 11-8 p.m. and on Saturday, October 9th from 9-7 pm.

How do I know if I'm registered?

If you registered online, you received an email confirmation of your registration at the time you registered. Also, we will send a special confirmation by email to those who registered online. Those who registered by mail will receive a mailed version of the confirmation. Everyone who is registered by September 15th should receive a confirmation by one of the formats above. Please check the address and other information (shirt size, age, etc.) to be sure it is correct. Send corrections to info@portlandmarathon.org. Also, you must bring the confirmation notice with you to the Expo on marathon weekend for packet pick-up. You must pick up your own packet!!!

What aid is available on the course this year?

Located less than every 2 miles, approximately 19 aid stations will feature water and replacement drinks. This year, the marathon will be serving Ultima Replenisher, a mineral replacement, along the course. Ultima is a drink that replaces vital minerals lost during your race. We are supplying Lemonade flavored Ulitma and supplementing with Wild Raspberry if the weather necessitates more product. These are Ultima's two best selling flavors and are available nationwide at Whole Foods Market and at select health food stores and running specialty stores. A representative from Ulitma will be at our expo, who is the drink's formulator as well as a marathoner, to questions you may have regarding electrolytes and marathon running. As always, to ensure carbo replacement, we will be offering 5 or 6 gummy bear stations, and two gel stations (11.5 miles and 17.5 miles) supplied by Liquid Gold made by GloryBeeFoods.

Is there a half marathon this year?

There is, but not in Portland. The Portland Marathon is helping to produce three separate half marathon events held on military bases in Iraq. These Portland Marathon satellite events help troops from Oregon and Washinton stationed at Victory base camp in Baghdad, Warrior base camp near the Iraq/Iran border, and Tallil Airbase in southern Iraq, stay connected to life at home. For more information on these events, and how you can help support them, click here.

I'm entered in the Racewalk or Nordic Walk competition for the Marathon or 5-Miler. Where do I check in?

Please check in at the Racewalk/Nordic Walk table at the Expo. We will have bib numbers and instructions for all registered racewalk and Nordic Walk participants. If you need to switch to either of these divisions on Marathon weekend, we can also help participants do this. Questions? Please stop by the check in table or e-mail us (prior to October 1) at ptldmarathonwalks@yahoo.com.

Are there pacers for this year's marathon?

Yes, local running club, Team Red Lizard, will be coordinating all of the pacing responsibilities and will be holding a question/answer session for all running and walking participants as a part of the pre race Expo in the Hilton Tower on Saturday, October 9th. Check the schedule of events for the time.

How long do the course and finish area stay open?

There will be someone at the finish until the last participant crosses the line. We do have to modify the finish area at the 8 hour point. We also move walkers onto the sidewalk who have been on the course for about 6 hours. This occurs at an 8 hour pace just before the 22 mile mark. Again, there will be someone at the finish. Be sure to tell those who are planning to meet you, if you are later than 8 hours, that you will finish on SW Salmon between 3rd and 4th Avenues. The chip time mats are also removed at the 8 hour pace. However, those who finish are hand timed to be sure they are in our finish results.

Where can I park on race day?

Street parking is no longer free on Sundays in Portland. Parking Meters will be running between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and cost $1.60/hr. or you may park in the convenient Smart Park garages located throughout the downtown area. Garage locations are indicated on the maps included in packets, and parking questions are answered at the information booth at the Expo. Beware of areas marked with no parking signs. Your car will be towed if you park at such a location.

I'm traveling from out of town, and I'm not sure how to get around the course to see my loved one race. How do I navigate the course?

We have included on our website a spectator guide, which should help you and your family/friends get around the course to support your racer. You may also consult the information desk at the Expo in the Portland Hilton for detailed suggestions. One final resource is our online course tour, which will take you through a virtual course tour, and may help you and the participant get a feel for the course before event day. We also have a featurette on our home page which gives you another look at the course. This supplements the detailed map also found on the web page.

What is the Pump and Run Division and where do I sign up?

The Pump and Run Division allows runners/walkers to add a special twist to their marathon experience. This division requires participants to weigh at least 185 lbs for men and 145 lbs for women. According to weight division, each participant must perform one repetition of the bench press bar. You may sign up for this division and perform the rep at our Sports and Fitness pre race Expo at the Hilton. There is a $5.00 registration fee charged at that time.

How do I raise money to benefit charities? Which charities do the Portland Marathon endorse for fundraising efforts?

The Portland Marathon encourages any participant to use the event to raise money for multiple causes. Click Here to see a list of the Groups which we have a relationship for 2009.

How much does the Portland Marathon raise for charity?

Charities use the event to raise over $2,000,000 for their causes. We also donate over $150,000 to service clubs, school teams and groups and other non-profits.

Where do I pick up my charity runner bib and prizes for raising money?

There will be a charity information booth at the EXPO where you can pick up your charity bibs and fundraiser prizes. If you have not reserved your charity bib, you can do so by donating $26.20 to one of the official charities. Go to www.portland.activecharityconnect.com to make your contribution securely online.

What do the Finisher's shirts look like?

This year's finisher's shirts will be a long sleeved shirt made of a technical fabric, micro-vent knit that wicks moisture, dries quickly and is pill resistant.

When I wear my Finisher's shirt out and about at some interesting or exotic location, to whom should I send the picture to for publication?

The picture can be sent to amyd@spriteone.com! Click here for examples of places our finishers have worn their shirts.

Is there a 1/2 marathon distance this year?

Why is there no 1/2 marathon distance associated with the Portland Marathon?

Although the Marathon Committee has considered adding a 1/2 marathon distance to the list of events, we are strongly committed to maintaining the full marathon distance as the main event. Running or walking a marathon is a tremendous accomplishment, and we like to make certain that our marathon participants are the featured athletes of the day!

Race Day Questions

Where can I get a cup of hot coffee?

Starbucks will be open at their store on 3rd Ave. at SW Jefferson or 6th and SW Salmon.

Where do event volunteers report?

Volunteers should check in at the location designated by their Marathon Committee contact or team captain. Volunteers working in the Start/Finish area should check in at the volunteer sign in spot at SW 3rd and Salmon in downtown Portland. (See the start area map)

Where is clothing storage and pickup?

On the Plaza on the North side of Salmon between SW 1st and SW Naito near where the runners and walkers will enter the start area. Look for the sign and the green balloons. Storage will be provided starting at 6:00 a.m. and closing at 3:00 p.m. You will pick up the clothing where you left it off.

Where is the Post-Event Party?

At the Portland Hilton, located at 921 SW 6th Ave. The party begins at 11:30 a.m. and is open to all participants, volunteers and their guests. Food will be available at a modest cost. Entertainment by the Dan Balmer Trio will commence at 12:30 p.m.

Awards distribution begins at 11:30 a.m. with award announcements at 1:00 p.m. (announcing only the first 3 finishers in each age division). The 5-Miler awards will be distributed beginning at 10:00 am in the Foyer of the Hilton Ballroom (subject to receipt of the results from the finish line). Note: The distribution of awards is subject to the finalization of finisher results. Therefore, all awards may not be available as of 11:30 a.m. Your patience will be greatly appreciated.

Are there showers or changing rooms after the Marathon?

No.

Will there be live results and the feature on the website known as RunPix?

Yes, these two features will return and will be on the home page of our website.

Where do I get my Marathon medal and T-shirt?

After you cross the Marathon finish line, you will be given a medal, a space blanket, a pin and, for those who want it, our traditional Portland rose and tree seedling. Food and drink is available in the finisher's chute only. (Remember, once you depart the finish area you cannot return). You will pickup your finisher shirt after you exit the food area.

If I forget to pick up my finisher shirt, what do I do?

Take a photocopy FRONT AND BACK of your run/walk number and write your name, address and shirt size on it. Mail to: Oregon Sports Authority, Attn: Fulfillment, 1888 SW Madison, Portland OR, 97205.

You must include a check or Money order (US funds only) for $10.00 to cover postage.

Where can I get my Marathon post-race picture taken?

Your pictures are taken on the course, at the finish line and at the FlashPro victory stand located just before the finish area exit gate (after the food line along SW 4th Ave.).

Your photos will be on our website after the event along with our results.

How can my family find me after the race?

There is a reunion area on SW 3rd Ave. between SW Salmon and SW Taylor. Letters A-Z will be posted as a guide to find family members.

Can my time at the Portland Marathon qualify me for the Boston Marathon?

Yes, the Portland Marathon is a U.S. Track and Field sanctioned and certified course. The Boston Marathon accepts our runners, provided they qualify for their age group. A disc of our results are sent to Boston. You need only apply.

How will I know if I've won an award and how many awards are presented in each division?

Age division awards are 15 deep (unless there are less than 15 in your age group) beginning with age group 14-19, and continuing in 5-year increments, through age 95. There are also special awards for state and country winners, by weight category (the Clydesdale/Bonnydale and Muscle events) and by teams (Note: special awards are not available on event day, and are mailed to finishers). Check your race results posted on the diagonal fence at Salmon and 3rd (in the reunion area after you’ve exited the finish area) to see if you may have placed in your age division. For info on awards distribution, see the Q&A above titled “Where is the Post-Event Party?”

When do I get my race results?

Results are posted on our website at www.portlandmarathon.org. These are initially 99+% complete. We have a variety of corrections that occur within the first several weeks after the event. The final official results are in our post-event publication which will be available online in February along with your Finisher's Certificate. Note: other locations and websites that post results may not be accurate. We are constantly updating our results!

After I recover from my victory today, when is the 2010 Portland Marathon?

Sunday, October 10th, 2010 for our 39th Annual Event! Enter online at www.portlandmarathon.org

"Most Friendly Walkers Marathon" - Runner's World

To contact us click here

SponsorshipOpportunities

Charities and thePortland Marathon

Going The Distance

The definitive chronicle of the Portland Marthon

View Our Course Map