Starting times: Marathon and half-marathon begin at 7 a.m.; 10K walk and run at 8 a.m.
Traffic: Downtown Portland streets along and near the route will be closed at various times from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, traffic will be limited at various times on these bridges: St. Johns, Broadway, Morrison and Burnside. Some downtown freeway ramps will be closed Sunday morning. For more details, go to the marathon website.
TriMet: Some bus and MAX routes will run on different schedules because of the race. For more details, go to trimet.org/alerts.
Related events: The 27th Sports & Fitness Expo runs from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. today at the Hilton Portland's Ballroom and Exhibit Hall (Southwest Sixth and Salmon). The Kids' Festival and fun run take place from 9 a.m. to noon at Lincoln High School.
Last year’s champions: Eric Griffith of Portland (2 hours, 28 minutes, 42 seconds) and Kami Semick of Bend (2:52.02).
The Occupy Portland movement is opposed to the excesses of corporations. The Portland Marathon is the sort of organization they should promote in contrast to corporations. It is a tourist destination event, bringing in thousands of runners and walkers from around the world who can then support local food carts, restaurants, stores and hotels. Many of the runners and walkers also participate in charity programs and raise donations for causes such as breast cancer and leukemia and lymphoma.
What Protesters Need to Know:
The Portland Marathon is exactly the sort of organization you want to promote.
Marathon and half marathon racers finish the race at the end of their endurance. They need immediate access to heat sheets, water, snacks, porta-johns, medical aid, their gear drop and meeting up with their loved ones. They need as few obstructions a possible back to their vehicles or public transportation to make it home after they finish.
In addition to 13,000 runners and walkers, expect another 10,000 family members and supporters who also want access to the finish area to cheer for and pick up their loved ones.
Immediately after the race is no time to proselytize a runner or walker. I have had several of them vomit on me after I assisted them at the finish line. As for myself, I always finish in tears, highly emotional after putting out an extreme effort after months of preparation and sacrifice.
The race isn't over till it's over. Walkers continue to finish for 8 or 9 hours after the start -- and they start last, with as much as a 30 minute delay, so expect finishers to come in until 5 pm. Please cheer them and keep the street clear for them.
All about: Portland marathon Protest
Portland, Oregon
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