I missed the sign up by probably 30 minutes today, I couldn't be more mad at myself right now. What would be my best 2nd option for another cities marathon? I would prefer something closer than to far but I would hate this training to go to waste. This was going to be my first marathon and I have been so excited. Please give me some ideas.

Seattle Marathon is November 28th. A lot of folks use it as an alternative. Ask your coach about rearranging your schedule to extend your training until then.

Another great place to look is www.marathonguide.com. This link should take you directly to their calendar for U.S. races.

Good Luck!

the Victoria Marathon is the same date 10-10-10. It's a little farther than seattle but I've heard it has a really beautiful course.

Victoria BC is also 10/10/10

http://www.runvictoriamarathon.com/events/register.php

Robin

I've run the Victoria BC marathon before, it's on the same weekend as Portland. You have to hurry up and get a room, though, they fill up quick. It's a bit hillier than Portland, but a pretty route. It's also smaller than Portland, so the route starts getting empty after 5 hours.

lj

For those who may not have gotten into the Portland Marathon, there are still charity slots for the Inaugural Half Marathon with the NF Endurance team available. Sign up at www.nfendurance.org/portland. they have a $600 minumum fund raising committment.

The Portland Marathon website, as of today (Monday, Aug. 2nd), says that in 48 hours there will be charity spots available. I don't know exactly what that means, but look into it! Maybe it's not too late!

patti

Hi Nick - I did the same thing. I have signed up for the Bellingham Marathon. It is two weeks earlier so I am adjusting my training a little. There is also the Victoria Marathon on the same day as the PDX Marathon, but it was a bit far away.

Here's another possibility 10/24/10: http://www.columbiagorgemarathon.com/

Since I too missed registration for PDX I'll probably be doing this one. A running buddy ran it last year and liked it enough to want to do it again this year.

Word of caution.
The Columbia Gorge marathon could be a rude awakening if you're not prepared for the hills.
http://www.columbiagorgemarathon.com/cours...arathon-course/

You're either running up a hill or running down a hill.
I don't think there's a full flat mile on the course at any one point. I've never run it but I'm looking at the course info and elevation guide.

Your legs are going to take a beating. Your time will be different than flatter faster course.
Flip side, the run could be very beautiful and challenging... if you run your goal time there you're a stud and could do that anywhere.