Foot Traffic Flat Marathon

This was a great small town feel race - packet pick up was very no frills the day before, shirt is ok (maybe runs a bit big?). there was an early start offered for those running 10+ min miles so we started at 0530 and it wasn't the usual mess of a crowd with all the marathoners and half marathoners at once - wonderful! I felt a little rushed bc we were told the first bus would leave at 0445 but it didn't actually leave until 0500 - so we made it to the island with just enough time to use the potty and pack and check in my bag and then start! maybe it was best that way. There were beautiful birds and farmland scenery as the sun was coming up - couldn't have asked for better weather. About mile 11 or 12 or so (there was a turn around on an out-and-back around mile 10), you could see the leaders coming and that was so neat! A boost of encouragement and energy to keep going, they looked so great. Then you hit the gaggle of half-marathoners around mile 20 or so when there was a big loop to the finish - it was truly a perfect way to stagger everyone out. Course was relatively flat with just a few rolling hills sprinkled in to make it interesting :) There weren't any photos so that was a bit of a bummer, but they did some sort of YouTube video so you could see yourself (and everyone else presumably) crossing the finish line. It looked like it was probably a nice little after-race party on the farm afterwards, but I had to get back and catch the shuttle which was a little ways and a little hard to find. But all in all, I'm very happy that this was my Oregan race - definitely would recommend.

I thought the only place to run a flat race in Oregon would be around a track at TrackTown, USA (University of Oregon), but you can find your flat course on Sauvie Island. Running on the 4th of July makes this a perfect summer destination race. It's still cool in the mornings, and the chance of rain is minimal. Sauvie Island is primarily farmland, so the views comprise fields on one side and water on the other, with mountains (Adams, Hood) looming in the distance. Not many folks to cheer you on, if that makes a difference to you, but there are plenty of cows silently questioning your sanity. They offer a full, half, 10K and 5K. I ran the full and my wife ran the 10K. Though they have staggered race starts, the course is pretty crowded for the first mile and half, but then it's smooth sailing. The race swag and medals are above average, and we especially loved the fresh strawberry shortcake for all finishers! There's limited parking and only one access road to the island, so get there early or take one of the shuttles. The farm venue (Pumpkin Patch) is super, and easily accommodated all the participants. It's very family friendly, they even do a fun run for the little ones and have a petting zoo. If you like smaller races that keep you off roadways with traffic, we would highly recommend this race. You can see our video of the race and visit to Portland on our YouTube channel Race the Nation.

This was my first marathon and I found it a great experience. For new marathoners the one advantage or disadvantage is the lack of spectators. Depending on your mind frame. If fake encouragement from random strangers helps you, you're not going to get much here until you meet the half marathon walkers. I liked it as I could fight my own mental battle withou distractions and children, dogs getting in the way. Aid stations are plentiful but beware if you're a fast marathoner you will, in the last few miles find yourself being impeded by slow halfers having a social meeting at the stations. The course is very picturesque, well marked but not flat. There is a good few rolling hills there, nothing that will break the legs but it's no Berlin. I will be back this year to smash my PB