Next race
Sunday, 3 October 2027
7:15 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Hilly · 266 m gain
266 m climbing
Race profile
The Portland Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers on an urban road in Portland, United States. The course starts and finishes at Waterfront Park. The route crosses the Willamette River, passes Powell's Books, and follows the Springwater Corridor. Mostly flat with minor bridge climbs.
Portland Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 4,000 finishers
Course & terrain
The Portland Marathon is a city loop starting and finishing at Waterfront Park, crossing the Willamette River, passing Powell's Books, and following the Springwater Corridor. The Springwater and waterfront sections are the easiest because they stay relatively flat and shaded, while the bridge approaches and subtle inner eastside rollers are tougher; spectators gather at Waterfront Park, along the bridge crossings, and on the Springwater Corridor.
The Portland Marathon course is hilly over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 266 metres of climbing and 266 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Hilly · 266 m gain — approx. 12 m above sea level
↑ 266 m · ↓ 266 m · net 0 m
Registration
The Portland Marathon uses open registration at portlandmarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying standard. Sign-up for the October race typically opens early in the year. The scenic Willamette River course draws strong Pacific Northwest participation and early registration secures lower tier pricing.
Getting there
Portland International Airport (PDX)
9 km / 6 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Portland.
The Maine Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each October on an urban and coastal road in Portland, United States. Its New England foliage timing is a major part of the event's appeal. The route passes Casco Bay inlets, wooded neighborhood roads, and harbor-facing sections near the peninsula. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
The Eugene Marathon draws about 4,500 finishers each April in Track Town USA, finishing at the historic Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. The course passes Pre's Trail, the Willamette River, and the city's running-obsessed neighbourhoods. April spring weather and the Hayward Field finish make it a pilgrimage for American running fans.
Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027
The Seattle Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers on an urban road in Seattle, United States. The course starts at the University of Washington and finishes at Seattle Center near the Space Needle. The route crosses the I-90 bridge to Mercer Island and returns via the Lake Washington Boulevard. Mostly flat with a climb on the I-90 bridge.
Next race: Sunday, 29 November 2026
The Victoria Marathon attracts approximately 3,500 finishers each October on Vancouver Island's scenic capital course. Runners pass the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park, and the Dallas Road waterfront with views of the Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. October's mild island autumn and rolling coastal terrain make it one of Canada's most charming marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
The Vancouver Marathon attracts approximately 4,500 finishers each May through one of the world's most scenic city courses. Runners pass Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge approach, Kitsilano Beach, and the UBC campus with mountain-and-ocean views throughout. May's mild Pacific Northwest spring makes it Canada's premier destination marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Famous Idaho Potato Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each May on an urban and greenbelt road in Boise, United States. The event's branding is playful, but the course is a serious spring marathon with a loyal regional following. The course passes the Boise River Greenbelt, city parklands, and tree-lined streets with foothill views. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Saturday, 15 May 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
