Cross Crusades (CYCLING)
October to December
The Cross Crusade is cyclo-cross race series based in Portland, Oregon held over an eight week period during the months of October and November. As of 2005, the series was the largest cyclo-cross series in the US. Currently in its 14th season,[2] the 2006 series consists of six races plus the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross final (a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) sanctioned event). The Cross Crusade began hosting UCI-sanctioned events as part of the series in 2002.
Portland Marathon
Portland 1/2 Marathon
October (annually)
For many years the Portland Marathon has been rated as one of the premier marathon events in the United States. It has been ranked as one of the top 10 local road race events in the U.S, and one of the top 40 races of all types and distances.
Runner's World has called the Portland Marathon "the best people's marathon in the West" and for the past ten years has ranked it as one of the top 10 or 15 marathons in the country. Runner's World also states that "perhaps more than any other running event in the country, this race keeps evolving, keeps getting better". Runner's World has chosen the Portland Marathon as the "Race of the Month" and said the event is one of the "friendliest, best organized, most family-oriented races in the country."
The Portland Marathon in beautiful Portland Oregon, is the standard marathon distance - 26 miles, 385 yards. The course is USAT&F sanctioned and certified. It is also certified for Boston Marathon qualification.
"The best organized Marathon in North America"
"One of the top 3 marathons to do as a first marathon"
Run Like Hell
1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k
October 25th (annually)
Run Like Hell is a Halloween-themed race that sees participants dress out in full costume for a run through Portland's urban parks and along its waterfront areas along the Willamette River. Now a running tradition in Portland, the race celebrates its 7th annual running in 2009.
From the starting line near downtown's Pioneer Square, the half marathon course takes runners through the Pearl District and includes scenic views of the changing autumn leaves as well as Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Duniway Park, Terwilliger Park and Mt. Hood in the distance.
After starting off with mostly flat terrain for the first five miles, the course then begins a three-mile gradual uphill that takes runners along Naito Parkway and Barbur Blvd.
The course again flattens out as it follows along the western edge of Portland's George Hines Park, taking runners along the winding Terwilliger Boulevard northward through the city. The course continues its wind along the edge of the parks, passing by Terwilliger Park and through Duniway Park, for the home stretch of the race, which is a slight downhill slope toward the finish line back near Pioneer Square. (this was adapted from an article on HalfMarathons.net)
Starlight 5k - Costume contest
May 30th (annually)
A 5k race to kick off the rose festival. The Starlight Run begins and ends at Lincoln High School and travels through downtown Portland along part of the Starlight Parade route.
Shamrock Run - 5k, 8k, 15k
March (annually)
Shamrock Run twenty-seven years ago for the benefit of many service organizations in Portland, Oregon.
Age group competition will be held in the 5K, 8K and 15K races. The top three men and women finishers in each age group, and the winners in the wheelchair division, will receive a commemorative Shamrock Run back pack, compliments of adidas. Age groups start at 14 and under and continue in 5-year increments (15-19; 20-24 and so on) through age 80.
