This running thing has been a pretty big deal for me and part of what has helped me stay focused on my goal of starting and finishing the marathon in one piece are the great friends I have. I'd like to invite them to join me as I accomplish my goal on the 1st, and I've heard the course is very observer friendly and that folks can even join in and run a couple blocks without causing too much of a fuss.

I know from mile 17 across the St. John's is off limits to unofficial runners, but how about once we're heading back to town? A number of friends want to help me through The Wall and are placing dibs on who gets to run with me where. I want to make sure the mile posts they're picking are OK and won't interfere with the other three people finishing with me at the end of the day.

Can anyone who's run the marathon before chime in and let me know if there are completely off limits areas where I should encourage people to cheer and not run?

thanks,
k

Hey lawgeek!

I've had friends run with me on the course and last year I ran a good chunk of it with my friend Sandy. They just can't cross the finish line with you. There is a big sign toward the end of the course that states "all unofficial runners exit here...."

Running with your friends is an awesome way to break through that wall! Have fun!

Sharon

Probably the two most popular places to pick up your posse to run with and encourage you are at the PDXFit cheering section, which is around the 20 to 21 mile mark; and right on Naito by the fire station next to Saturday market, which is about a mile from the finish. Technically the Marathon doesn't condone it, but they do have a place for non-marathoners to stop before you turn off of Naito.

Lawgeek,

I try to have my wife meet me at several locations to refill special water etc. It's gotten harder for her to meet me at the usual spots...not because I'm so fast either. It's getting congested and typical traffic routes are limited.

I'd have a group of friends meet you around Dockside Tavern area. A predetermined location along the course... and a second group meet you at 20 mile marker... PFIT station. Those people can run in with you. Hopefully, they get a ride out there. So you don't have to drive them back.

Make sure they know when to be where... 11 miles...no later that 8am.Etc. If you miss someone...meet at finish area.

Good Luck.
Tony
ps. I'll be looking for you Running with the beer mug! Red Lizard with fill it at mile 24.

There are some great spots for people to join you - one year I had a friend walk the out and back on Naito (miles 7-11) which was nice. Aid station by mile 12 (the one close to CNF) is easy to get to. I've had a friend walk with me from Willamette Blvd. to Rose Quarter. I'm lucky because I've always had family and friends that will come out and pretty much go where I need them and be there at their designated time.

BUT, if I had to have only one person that wanted to walk with me on the course for a mile or two, I would have her meet me at the end of the St. John's Bridge and walk with me at least to the Portland Fit cheering booth. I know from experience those 2-1/2 miles are where I will reach my wall, and having a friend along keeps me focused. (Just warn them that you'll be cranky and in a negative mood but they need to hang with you and you'll get through it...)

Whatever you do, figure out your expected pace and have them plan to be at the spot at least 20 minutes sooner in case you are going faster than you thought you would or traffic is bad.

As for finishing with the other three runners at the end of the day - don't forget there will be a couple thousand of us walkers still on the course while you and Tony are enjoying that cold beer.

Cheers!

Hey Geek!!!!
Just an FYI, the Portland marathon website has info regarding where "guests" can and cannot go. Just in case you want to actually go by the book.

where do I go to check my private messages?

Thanks for all of the ideas; I'll be sure to pass them along to my friends.

And Anglea, I'm not too sure I'll be in front of all the walkers; some of the walkers I see on Saturdays are fast. I don't think I could walk that quickly for 26.2 miles.

Cheers!
K

Click on the "New Messeges" tab top right.

The following is from the Portland Marathon website;

Every year the Marathon runners consistently say how wonderful the spectators are throughout the course and are so encouraged along the way because of your enthusiastic support. We would like to help you find the best spot to cheer on runners with the following suggestions

DOWNTOWN, due to its proximity to the start and finish areas, is a great area to observe:

4th from Salmon north to NW Glisan (mile 1)
East on NW Glisan to SW Naito Parkway (Front Ave.).
South on SW Naito Parkway to SW Harrison (mile 1 to approx. mile 3).
West on SW Harrison to Barbur Blvd.
All SW Naito Parkway (mile 4 to 11). Runners pass twice on Naito Parkway between NW 17th Ave. and turnaround past mile 9.
From NW 17th Ave. and west on Raleigh to mile 12.
Toward the finish area on 3rd and Madison from NW Flanders and Front Ave. (mile 25 to 26).
Between mile 19 and 20 on Willamette Blvd. 1-5 North, take the Lombard West exit, follow until Olin Ave. or Portsmouth Ave. Take a left on either of the two until Willamette Blvd.

Between mile 21 and 22 on Willamette Blvd. 1-5 North, take the Lombard West exit. Left on Greeley Ave., and right on N. Portland Blvd.

We do not recommend spectators to watch between:

Miles 12 and 18 due to the heavy traffic of St. Helens Rd!
Mile 23 and 25 due to blocked streets or heavy traffic on Interstate Ave. and the Steel Bridge!