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Short sleeves?  Long sleeves?  Rain coat?  Sun screen?!?!?

Historical averages for October 5th in Portland include a high of 68 and a low of 51 - ideal marathon weather!  It will surely be brisk out there at the start line, remember that the 7am starting gun precedes sunrise by nearly fifteen minutes.  I definitely recommend wearing something warm while mingling about before race.

Conditions in 2007 were superb; decent cloud cover (to protect from the sun) and temperatures not exceeding 70.  Let’s hope for a repeat.

Or….

You don’t have to run 26.2 miles to enjoy October 5th. Take a look at the Portland Marathon’s auxiliary events.

Kaiser Permanente 5 Miler

• A chip timed race that will occur will marathoners are making their way out to the St. Johns Bridge. Register here.

Mayor’s Walk

• A 10km walk in North Portland that will feature great view points to watch passing marathoners. Register here.

Kid’s Run

• A two mile race for children 12 and under. Register here.

Sports and Fitness Expo

• Pick up race packets, mingle, shop, and test new products at the Downtown Hilton on the Friday (11am to 8pm) and Saturday (9am to 7pm) before the race. More info here.

Event Directors College

• A top notch training seminar for future race directors, covering topics such as sponsorship, event management, event directing, and marketing. This three day seminar will run from Oct. 2nd to Oct. 4th. More info here.

Only two American cities (both in Oregon!) can claim to have extinct volcanoes within their boundaries: Portland and Bend.  Portland’s Mt. Tabor, and it’s surrounding designated park land, is a true gem.  It’s nearly 200 acres include miles of trails, spectacular views (Downtown, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood), and ample shade for lounging post workout.  Explore the map below!

The park is located between Belmont and Division, just east of SE 60th.  You can find more information (maps, amenities, history) about Mt. Tabor Park here.  Be sure to download the provided trail map to help plan your running and walking excursions.

The 2008 XTERRA Trail Running Series will conclude on September 27th with a National Championship Race in Bend, Oregon.

Bend was chosen to host this event after recently being named “America’s Best Trail Running Town” by Outside Magazine. The race will be an off-road half-marathon, starting and finishing in Bend’s Old Mill District.  The course (map below) will largely by an out-and-back, with a lollipop loop at the far end.

This race should draw some top notch competition, with prize money going five deep for both the men’s and women’s races.  Many big names have already signed on (Max King, Richard Bolt, Kami Semick, and Lisa Nye to name a few), and an open registration will allow all comers to test themselves against some of the nations best.

Registration is open online ($35) here.

The Portland Marathon course is a USATF certified course at the standard distance of 26 miles and 385 yards.  Only 21 turns, and a whopping 14 aid stations!

The short story: downtown start, five mile loop southwards on Barbur and Front, continue NW on Front, out and back section (wave to friends), snake through NW onto St. Helens, travel along Forest Park, up and over the St. Johns Bridge, Willamette Blvd. through NoPo, Greeley/Interstate through the industrial area, Broadway Bridge, back downtown for the FINISH on Salmon!

A relatively flat course as far as elevation goes: downhill start downtown, easy up and down along the waterfront, long flat on Front and St. Helens, the rewarding climb up and over the St. John’s Bridge, and a subtle downhill through North Portland back into downtown.

It’s finally less than one month away…..

The 2008 Portland Marathon will take place the morning (and afternoon, for some!) of October 5th, 2008.  The nation’s 9th largest marathon, with nearly 8,000 participants last year, is constantly touted as being one the best organized in the world.  It is extremely walker-friendly, with over 1/4 of participants solely walking and a course that is left open for 8 hours.

The official website warns that there are only a few hundred bibs left, so get off your duffs and register.

Stay tuned for updates regarding the race course, final training/tapering tips, and race day info.

Come to Fit Right NW this evening to celebrate First Thursday with our monthly Urban Adventure Run!

The run will be from 6-7pm, but get there early (5:30-45) to register (free).  The raffle will begin promptly at 7pm, and Fit Right will stay open late until 8pm to entertain all participants.

This months sponsors include Mizuno (shoes), Handful (bras), Fuel Belt (accessories), Garmin (GPS), Nuun (hydration), SuperFeet (inserts), Bridgeport (beer), Santa Fe (food), Girlfriends (salon).  There will be many product testing opportunities, as well as free giveaways.

See you there!