A little late on the post, but last month we ran the 2010 Portland Marathon. This was my third time running Portland and my tenth marathon overall.
The Sunday weather forecast of rain and temps in the 50s turned out to be correct. We got to the start and huddled under overhangs with everyone else, trying to stay dry. This was the first year that a half marathon was offered, so the race has transformed into corrals with wave starts. Despite the rain and wind, things got off to a smooth start.
The course was the same as the last time we ran Portland (2008), just with a lot more people. The half and full share the same course until Mile 11, so the rail yard section of the course (especially the “back” part of the out-and-back) was a bit too crowded for my liking. Once we split off from the half, there was more room to run and less paranoia about crashing.
The rain never let up, but it was warm and as with previous runs in Portland, the crowd support after the St. John’s Bridge was fantastic. The neighborhoods there cheer for all the runners!
My finish time was a bit slower than the previous race, but the hill training I’ve been doing really paid off – I am no longer afraid of the hill at the St. John’s Bridge!
Overall, here's how the run rates in my book:
Organization – Like previous times, very well organized and staffed. Grade: A
Course - Fairly scenic, but crowded now that the half has been added. Grade: B
Aid-stations - Well staffed and stocked, approximately every 2 miles. Like last time, the honey-based gel was nasty. Grade: A
Swag – Serious upgrade on the swag: two shirts, medal, commemorative coin and other items. Wow! Grade: A+
Bonus: Watching the Giants win against the Phillies (NLCS) and dinner at the Bridgeport Brewery. Grade: A+