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Oct 4, 2026
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The Portland Marathon features a scenic loop course that begins and ends at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Runners experience the natural beauty of the Willamette River Valley, passing through downtown Portland, the historic Pearl District, and verdant Forest Park. The course is relatively flat to rolling with minimal elevation change, making it accessible for runners of various abilities.
Early October in Portland brings cool fall conditions with moderate rainfall probability. Runners should expect temperatures in the 8-16°C range with possible drizzle; layering is recommended.
Portland
The Portland Marathon was founded in 1981, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 45 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in Portland, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.
The course record of 02:09:27, set by Jacob Kiplimo in 2022, speaks to what the Portland Marathon offers elite athletes: a fast, honest course where serious times are achievable. The record has drawn increasingly competitive fields year after year.
The Portland Marathon route is one of those courses where runners forget their pace and reach for their phones. The scenery through Portland and its surroundings has earned this race a reputation as one of the most photogenic in North America.
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02:09:27
Jacob Kiplimo (2022)
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