- Q & A
- SCHEDULE
- PACE TEAM
- SPECTATORS
- PASTA PARTY
- ENTERTAINMENT
- CONFERENCE
- ROAD CLOSURES
- LOST AND FOUND
Sponsorship
Opportunities
Charities and the
Portland Marathon
Going The Distance
The definitive chronicle of the Portland Marthon
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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 3rd from 11-8 p.m. and on Saturday, October 4th 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?
This year, the marathon will be serving Gleukos, an electrolyte with carbohydrates, and Ultima Replenisher, a mineral replacement, along the course. Ultima is a drink that replaces vital minerals lost during your race. As always, to ensure carbo replacement, we will be offering 5 or 6 gummy bear stations, and at least one Honeystinger gel station further.
Are there pacers for this year's marathon?
Yes, local running club, Team Red Lizard (http://www.redlizardrunning.com/lizardActivities/marathonpacing.cfm), 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 4th. 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 free on Sundays in Portland, 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. Groups which we have a relationship for 2008 include The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, Susan G. Komen Oregon & SW Washington, Children’s Cancer Association, Oregon Habitat for Humanity, Friends of the Children, and the Oregon Hospice. Click here to learn about becoming a charity runner.
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! Visit www.portlandmarathon.org for examples of places our finishers have worn their shirts.
Is there a 1/2 marathon distance this year?
No
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?
On event day before the start at the corner of SW Taylor and SW 3rd. During the event and afterwards on SW 3rd Avenue between Taylor and Salmon. At the Info/Volunteer Booth located on SW Madison between 3rd and 4th Avenues. Note: Volunteer check in will be at the corner of SW Madison between SW 2nd and 3rd, closer to 3rd.
Where is clothing storage?
On SW 1st, SW 2nd Avenues near where all runners and walkers will enter. Look for green balloons. The clothing will be ready then moved for pick up on SW 4th between SW Madison and SW Salmon, as part of the finish area.
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. Your chip will also be taken. 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 and shirt size on the it. Mail to: OSI, Attn: Fullfillment, 3580 NE Broadway, Portland, OR, 97232.
You must include a check or Money order (US funds only) for $8.00 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.
Where is the Post Race Party?
At the Portland Hilton, located at 921 SW 6th Ave. The party begins at 1:00 p.m. and is open to all participants, volunteers and their guests. Awards presentations will start at 3:00 p.m. Winners need not be present to receive their award (we will mail them). Food will be available at a modest cost.
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?
Depending on the number of entries in an age division level the awards can go as deep as 15 places. The age divisions are in 5- year increments, through the age of 95. There are also special awards for state and country winners, by weight category (the Clydesdale and Muscle events) and by teams. If you miss the awards ceremony, awards will be mailed after the event, as will the post race magazine and your finisher's certificate, which is sent in early January.
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 typically mailed to you in January 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 2009 Portland Marathon?
Sunday, October 4th, 2009 for our 38th Annual Event! Enter online at www.portlandmarathon.org
