I am a 50-stater, and this marathon was state #25 for me (44 in all). The scenery is indeed great in this part of Oregon, and it almost makes the marathon worthwhile all by itself. The town of Hood River is also quite interesting and enjoyable. However, the organizers of the event leave something to be desired. The awards ceremony had to be cancelled because they didn't know what they were doing. The website makes all kinds of promises (chip timing, 13 aid stations, 'Mega Expo and Food Pavillion', etc.), but doesn't deliver. Only half of the 10 aid stations had power drink. Enjoy your banana, Clif Bar, and water after the race. After I started the marathon at 7 AM, I discovered that the director let many other runners start at 6 AM and avoid the warmer temperatures. Only one award is given in each age group -- cheap! The website boasts an average wind of 0-5 mph AND a windsurfing exhibition after the race -- go figure! This is an example of a promoter who wants to make money, but does not care about the runners. This could be a world class marathon IF they put some people who understand running in charge.

I enjoyed running this marathon. The course was beautiful but very hilly. The views of the Columbia River Gorge were spectacular.
My one complaint is the awards. The Race Director announced at the awards ceremony that the age group awards would be mailed out. My wife & I both won our respective age groups. It's been 10 months and we still haven't received our awards in spite of numerous E-mails to the Race Director.

I ran this race for the first time last year. It was the best! The course was incredible and the support was the best.
There are not that many people on the course, but those that are - they are very enthusiastic. I will do this every year! Highly recommended.
Hope to join you there. I was the last to leave!
Kim

Amazing course... Perhaps the most 'gorge'ous marathon you can do. The wind did kick up this year, for the first time, but mother nature can do that anywhere. The course, although tough, is fast. A long comfortable down hill is a great reward after the first big climb. Of my 17 marathons, I have had 2 of my top 5 times on this challenging and beautiful course. The crouds, well, they're are volunteers they have a ton of spunk and a great finish party with plenty of beer and nice shirts... what more could you ask for!

Did I mention the course? Wow...

I would recommend this race for the marathoner that is looking to get off the beaten path and try some different race experiences. This marathon is for those looking for a cerebral experience. I definitely had one as I battled 25 mph headwinds while racing along the beautiful Columbia river. Headwinds, shmedwinds, right? You can never count on Mother Nature to deliver perfect race conditions. This was a great course though since you gain elevation up a steep hill from 9-11 and then get it all back again towards the end when you need it most. It was definitely fun to talk with the other 200 or so racers. Most were from places far far away from Hood River, OR.

Gripes: No starting line except for a line of flour on the ground. This isn't a Hash! ; ) Invest in a starting gun! No clock at the finish.

Kudos: Breathtaking course. Great comraderie. Friendly people. Copious amount of beer at the finish line and people willing to give their beer tickets to me! Bluegrass band for entertainment. Nice job Red Lizards!

The event was even more beautiful than I expected. The course was also not nearly as difficult as I imagined, although we did have some headwinds. From others who have participated I learned that the winds are normally not bad at all. This was my 42nd marathon. I have done marathons in 19 states. This was definitely one of the best. It is certainly a smaller marathon but I cannot see it staying that way. The organization and volunteers were tops and the finish line band and beer garden were the best I have experienced. Since it was a small race I did not expect much at the finish. I was pleasantly surprised. The numbers were not big, but everything else was.
Only one complaint, the finishers medals were a little too big!
Put this event on your calendar.

Kevin and crew do a great job in putting on this marathon, plenty of cheerful volunteers, beautiful course. Because this is a smaller race, you really get back to the roots of running, just you and the road, there was one point in the race where there was at least 1/2 mile between me and the next runner (front and rear). This is one of the most challenging courses I have run to date and was able to get a PR. My advice: do plenty of hill training, that means down hill training as well.

Great Marathon, way to go Kevin

This year will be my third! The orginal course was very difficult (I still loved it). The new course is indeed much easier. The website has information about the elevation. The scenery and the festivities were very well organized. The race had a unique flavor to it. I highly recommend this event.

I ran the first Colmbia River Gorge Marathon, and it was one of the toughest. I ran last year and it is much easier, but it is still challenging. Support and organization wise it was super. Not many people along the course. You mainly run through extremely rural areas in the 'Gorge'. Scenery makes up for it. I have run 27 marathons. This is my favorite. The finish is great and everything has a personal feel. The finishers shirts and medals were very good.

I've run more than 100 marathons and this is one of my favorites. Not too big, not too commercial, it has a real running feel.

It is a smaller race, so not much in the way of crowds lining the streets, but the finish makes you feel like a celebrity.

Not an easy course, but highly recommended. The best Northwest Marathon by far (and I have run them all!).

See you in 2002!