Press Release - Portland Marathon - 7/13/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                         Contact: Les Smith
                                                  Event Director
                                                  (503) 248-1134

          The Portland Marathon Receives "Portland Award" from
                Portland Oregon Visitor's Association

On Thursday, June 29, 2006, the Portland Marathon was presented "The 
Portland Award", which is Portland's highest honor in the hospitality 
industry. Each year the Portland Oregon Visitor's Association (POVA) 
recognizes those individuals and organizations that have made outstanding 
contributions to the region's visitor industry. The Portland Marathon has 
done just that.

The Portland Marathon brings an estimated $15 million of revenue to the 
city of Portland each year. The economic impact is greater than any other 
event hosted in our city, and to-date, the Portland Marathon brings in the 
highest number of outside visitors of any other event in Oregon. The 
Portland Marathon is a non-profit, family-oriented community event. The 
26.2 mile marathon distance is open to runners, walkers and wheelchair 
athletes. In addition, Marathon Weekend also includes a 5 Miler, Kids Run, 
10K Mayor's walk and a new World Championship Nordic Walking event. This 
year, the marathon expects a race record 13,000 participants for its 35th 
edition on October 1.

Other accolades awarded to the Portland Marathon include, "Best Organized 
Marathon in North America" (Ultimate Guide to Marathons), "Best October 
Running Event" (Runner's World) and "Most Friendly Marathon Walk" (Runner's 
World). In 2006, Prevention Magazine selected Portland as its "go to" 
walking event. For more information about the Portland Marathon, visit its 
website at: PortlandMarathon.org

                            ###