Portland Marathon
The Lowdown
The Portland Marathon is one of the Pacific Northwest’s longest-running road races, tracing its roots to the early 1970s and evolving into a signature autumn event for Oregon’s running community. Held each October, the race has attracted local and international runners seeking a well-organized marathon with a lively urban and riverside backdrop. Over the decades the Portland Marathon has been known for its community support, volunteer-driven energy, and competitive fields that produce strong qualifying performances for athletes targeting larger events. The course weaves through Portland’s most distinctive neighborhoods and along the Willamette River, offering a mix of urban skyline views, historic districts, and tree-lined residential streets. Runners pass by downtown Portland and the Pearl District, cross scenic riverfront pathways and iconic bridges, and enjoy occasional vistas of Mount Hood on clear days. The route’s varied scenery keeps the race visually engaging while providing long stretches where spectators and live bands create a festive atmosphere. Expect plentiful aid stations, enthusiastic neighborhood cheering sections, and post-race festivities that highlight Portland’s food and craft culture. The Portland Marathon is run on a USATF-certified course and traditionally serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier; it is organized to meet the standards expected by national and regional road-racing authorities. The event emphasizes excellent race-day logistics and support for both competitive and recreational runners, making it a popular fall destination for marathoners seeking a scenic, well-supported run in a vibrant city.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Portland Marathon Announces 2025 Course Updates and Sustainability Initiatives
Jan 15, 2025Race organizers unveil enhanced course route through Portland's iconic neighborhoods and new zero-waste program for the October 2025 event.
Registration Opens for 54th Annual Portland Marathon
Feb 1, 2025Early bird registration now available for Oregon's largest marathon, featuring the scenic point-to-point course from downtown to Waterfront Park with over 8,000 expected participants.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Start and finish area along the Willamette River with scenic riverfront views
Steel Bridge
Iconic double-deck bridge early in the course offering panoramic views of downtown and the river
Pearl District
Runs through Portland's renovated warehouse neighborhood with art galleries, breweries, and cobblestone streets
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Passes the city’s central public square in downtown Portland, a lively spectator spot
Hawthorne Bridge
A historic truss bridge crossing the Willamette that provides skyline views and enthusiastic crowd support
South Waterfront / OHSU Tram area
Riverside stretch past modern development and views of the Oregon Health & Science University tram
Stark Street / Southeast Portland neighborhoods
Miles through classic Portland residential streets with tree canopy, local shops, and neighborhood spectators
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Portland, Oregon, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older on race day to register for the marathon
- All entrants must complete online registration and present a valid photo ID at packet pickup
- Bibs are non-transferable and race organizers may cancel registrations found to be transferred
- Participants must obey course marshals, follow course & traffic instructions, and use only official aid stations
- Runners are subject to the race time limit of 6 hours for the marathon (course closure at 6:00 after start)
- Medical clearance recommended for participants with pre-existing medical conditions; race medical staff decisions are final
- Wheelchair and handcycle athletes must register in the designated division and meet event-specific equipment and classification rules
- By registering, participants grant permission for race organizers to use race photos and results for promotional purposes
Required Documents
- Photo ID
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Virtual Race
- Sponsor/Invitational Entry
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances
Bib deferral to 2027 available until 30 days before race for a $25 fee
Bib transfer to another registered runner allowed until 30 days before race for a $15 administrative fee
Medical deferral with physician's note accepted up to race day for 100% credit toward the following year's entry (no cash refund)
Race packet/merchandise is non-refundable; packet pickup may be done by an authorized proxy
Start/Finish Location: Portland's Waterfront Park at 1000 SW Naito Parkway, at the intersection of Naito Parkway and Salmon Street
Portland International Airport (PDX) is approximately 11 miles from the Expo and race start/finish lines.
Portland boasts excellent public transportation options, including the MAX Light Rail and Portland Streetcar, making it convenient to navigate the city without a personal vehicle.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.