Best Marathons In Portland, Oregon

 Nadene Goldfoot                                             

The next major marathon in Portland, Oregon is the Portland Marathon, taking place on Sunday, October 4, 2026. 

Key details for the Portland Marathon include:

• Start/Finish Location: Tom McCall Waterfront Park (1000 SW Naito Pkwy).
• Start Times: The full marathon and 10K begin at 7:15 AM, and the half marathon starts at 7:00 AM.
  
  
  

If you are looking for a marathon sooner, the Foot Traffic Flat—featuring full and half marathon distances—will be held nearby on Sauvie Island on Saturday, July 4, 2026. 

The Foot Traffic Flat Marathon is a premier Pacific Northwest running event held annually on Independence Day (July 4th) on Portland's Sauvie Island. Organized by local running store chain Foot Traffic, the event is known as the flattest and fastest full and half marathon on the West Coast, making it a popular Boston Marathon qualifier.

        Sauvie Island is the largest island along the Columbia River and lies 10 miles northwest of downtown Portland.

The island’s farmland and wildlife refuge and has become a popular destination for a variety of people — locals seeking the freshest and best produce; birdwatchers looking for sandhill cranes, bald eagles, blue herons or migrating geese; and those who want to hike, bike, fish, hunt or use the public beaches.

The event's history and key details include:

• Location & Setting: The race takes place on the rural, mostly flat, and scenic farmlands of Sauvie Island, located about 10–12 miles northwest of downtown Portland. Runners loop through the island's fields and berry farms while enjoying views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams. 
• Boston Qualifier: Because of the completely flat terrain, it is heavily utilized by runners seeking to set personal records (PRs) or achieve Boston Marathon qualifying times. 
• Distances Offered: In addition to the full marathon, participants can choose from a half-marathon, a quarter-marathon, and a 5K.
• 4th of July Tradition: It has grown into a major summer holiday tradition for Portland-area runners. The post-race festivities are famous for their hot dogs, fresh strawberry shortcakes, and family-friendly farm atmosphere. 
• Event Organizers: Foot Traffic, which hosts the race, was founded in 2000 in Portland's Alameda district by Sean Rivers and David. They operate several running specialty stores across the Portland and Vancouver area. 

Find more details, register, or check packet pickup information on the Foot Traffic official event page.

tradition in the Northwest!

July 4, 2026 • Sauvie Island, OR

Marathon | Half | Quarter | 5K

JOIN THE TRADITION! FILLS FAST!

ALERT: RACE FILLING FASTER THAN PAST YEARS. ESTIMATED TO FILL BY END OF MAY!

• Beautiful farm setting at the Pumpkin Patch!
• Always super cute medals, shirts and bibs!
• SPECIAL COLLABORATION! Ice cream from our local partner, Alden’s Organics! Including vegan options!
• Snacks and misting tents at the finish venue.
• Custom race bib (with your name on it if you sign up before June 21st!)
• Multiple race distance options with chip timing and certified half and full marathon courses.
• Virtual race options!
• FLAT and fast courses with a gorgeous setting.
• Limited entry race that fills every year.
• The ONLY opportunity to race on scenic SAUVIE ISLAND.
• Over $700,000 raised for the Sauvie Island community and Volunteer Fire Department!

                                              

Foot Traffic Flat

Full, Half, Quarter, 5K
Friday, July 4, 2026
Sauvie Island, Oregon

Sauvie Island is a racer’s paradise! The “Flat,” as we

 affectionately call it, is a Fourth of July tradition in the 

Northwest. The course is the flattest and fastest half and full 

marathon on the West Coast and perfect for beginners and

 experienced alike. Gorgeous pastoral and wildlife scenery and

 local ice cream and super cute medals at the finish line await.

. Certified Half and Full Marathon and a Boston Qualifier for the

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