Marathon Details - Columbia River Gorge Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > OR > Hood River > Columbia River Gorge Marathon

Columbia River Gorge Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Gorge Man 1/2 Ironman Triathlon, Gorge Man Sprint

Hood River, OR USA

June 5, 2005

http://www.gorgemarathon.com/

More Info:	News
Results:	2005 \| 2004 \| 2003 \| 2002 \| 2001 \| 2000 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	Kevin Foreman
Address:	PO Box 1487 Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Phone Number:	(503) 497-4080
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.6

Organization 2.9

Spectators 2.3

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Number of comments: 31 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

B. N. from OR (10/25/2016) "Beautiful, Challenging Course" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The packet pickup held at a local running store was ok. The out and back course was very challenging but some of the most beautiful scenery anyone could ask for. Climbing back up from Mosier at about mile 19 was the end of my somewhat reasonable pace. It rained toward the last few miles but that's to be expected for an Oregon fall race. The leaves, the river, the quaint town of Hood River was all very much worth it. The ceramic medal on a narrow ribbon was a little underwhelming. I wished I had been fast enough for the age group awards. Those medals were the kind I would have expected for everyone. The after party was held in a huge tent, which was awesome because of the light rain. The taco bar was a welcome site after running a full marathon. Overall a very beautiful small town race. I would highly recommend it, just not for a PR. Take your time and enjoy this one.
J. N. from South Bend, IN (12/28/2005) "Beautiful, lonesome run down a wind-tunnel." (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I travelled to Oregon in 2005 to run this "Top 10 most beautiful marathon" race. Upon arrival in Hood River (during a local bike race classic that filled the town with cyclists and fans) it took half an hour to find anyone that knew anything about "a marathon" and another 15 minutes to find the start/packet pickup (it's a small town) for the next morning. There were one or two friendly but disoriented volunteers in a big empty tent who really didn't know what was going on for the race. You bus out to Dalles for the start (there were about 50 of us in total) and stand around freezing (it was around 45 degrees at the start, overcast, Columbia River Gorge HEADwind) and waiting by a boat dock public bathroom for race instructions. Then off you go. We were told it was snowing in Portland (the direction we were heading) at the time. Beautiful, windy, lonesome day. Aid stations OK, friendly folks here and there in parked in pickup trucks along the way cheering us on. There is a HUGE 2.5 mile steep, ~800 elev. winding climb at halfway point nobody seems to mention, up to a scenic overlook. Then 2 miles steep downhill. Later, another big ~500 elev. climb. Last mile a steep decline - you have to love hills, or at least train well for them or your quads will be quivering mush. Oddly, I got a PR on this course. And the view of the whole Columbia River at the scenic outlook was unforgettable (and hard-earned).
B. W. from Washington State (6/6/2005) "Low Production Values" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 This is a truly beautiful marathon course. However, I wouldn't recommend this for beginners for the following reasons: a) very hilly course with a 800+-feet elevation gain, b)the gorge is like a wind tunnel and the course goes AGAINST the wind, c)infrequent water stations, d) no spectators to cheer you on. This is a very small marathon with little organization. There were a maximum of 50 runners at the starting line. I ran much of the course without seeing another runner. The finish line was pathetic (and poorly marked) with no clock to show your time. When will results be posted?? The medals are a disgrace (made of cardboard & twine??). This is NOT a professionally run race and is unlikely to survive with such low turnout. What a shame for such a beautiful course and wonderful town (Hood River).
B. H. from Portland, Oregon (6/6/2005) "Great course but small time" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 I only ran the 1/2 marathon in 2005. Check-in was easy. Course was great except... they had the turn-around in the wrong spot. So the 1/2 ended up only being about 11.8 miles long. Only water at the finish - no sports drink. Other food was fine. This is just like a little local race. I would not suggest you travel to do this race. I would do it again for the view only.
Erik Lovendahl from Coburg, Oregon (8/2/2004) "An awesome venue wasted." (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Columbia River Gorge Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 I have run this marathon twice and have seen a definite decline in quality since 2001. It's a pity considering the setting and volunteers; as many others have stated, this could easily become a destination event. Like L.W. in Washington and K.S. from Ohio, I too am waiting for my pasta feed refund and age group award. C'mon Kevin, step up. Pay back what you owe and then either put on a quality event or pass it on to someone who is willing to try. I'd like to think you will sleep better if you do.
c. s. from Tacoma, Wa (7/2/2004) "Course was beautiful but unorganized" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 This race was my first and the scenery was enough to take your mind off the task at hand. The race never felt quite like a race however because of the poor organization of the event as a whole. There was no official starting line and the race did start 15 minutes late. The race director was not even present 10 minutes prior to the start. One porta-pottie per rest stop gave you an average wait time of 5 people. The carbo dinner cruise was cancelled and we have not been refunded the purchase price of that dinner as of yet (4 weeks later). The race director has not answered emails regarding this refund and his phone number has been disconnected. As long as Kevin Foreman is the race director I would not add this to your list of events unless you just want to run an unorganized, unprofessional marathon. Get the map and run it on your own as your long run instead as it is a beautiful place.
K. C. from Oklahoma (6/15/2004) "False Advertisement" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I agree with all who previously posted. Beautiful scenery. The website boasted a Gorge Fest! I couldn't find a festival. The host hotel sent us to the wrong location for packet pick-up. No course maps were available. My family had hoped to drive along the course to take pictures and cheer me on, but we're not from the area and didn't know the route. There wasn't even a starting line! We just all gathered in a parking lot. The website promoted 13 aid stations and fresh fruit along the course. I believe it mentioned cherries, apples and peaches. There werre 10 aid stations, and I got offered a banana at one. I'm glad I carried my own water bottle, because no marathoner should have to run 4 miles without any fluid replacement. OK, the finisher's medals were unique, but mine didn't even have a string on it! As for post-race replenishment... banana's and bagels. I couldn't even find water! And where were the long sleeve Finisher T-shirts they promised? I didn't get mine. The $75.00 fee certainly doesn't go back into the race. I do not recommend this race.
L. W. from Washington (6/14/2004) "Incredible scenery, misleading promotional hype" (about: 2004) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 I looked forward to running this marathon for the renowned 'gorge-ous' course and for the extra festivities that were advertised on the website. While I enjoyed the course tremendously (awesome and challenging), the 'extras' were not exactly as expected. The 'long-sleeved' T-shirt must have had the sleeves cropped, the '13 aid stations' were reduced to 10 without electrolytes at many of them, the '40 vendors' at the festival were virtually invisible, the packet pick-up volunteers didn't have info about the race or the maps -- 'Maps are coming soon ...' Somebody better check to see if they've arrived yet. 'Carbo Cruise' turned into a 'Dinner Train' without warning and a time difference of 1 1/2 hours. Then it was cancelled without explanation. I'll be checking my VISA statement to make sure it's credited. Although, the finisher's medal isn't the most important thing to me, at least it should look like one and have the word 'finisher' on it -- maybe even the word 'marathon' on it as well. I have run in other marathons that cost less and came through on it's promotional extras. I hope that this can be improved because it is a first-rate course. Keep the course and the great aid station volunteers -- they worked harder than the race organizers.
H. P. from USA (6/11/2004) "Beautiful course with poor organization!" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I just ran this marathon a few days ago. I agree with P.H.'s recent comment, because I experienced similar hassles trying to pick up my race number and timing chip. The only saving graces of this race were the spectacular scenery of the Columbia River Gorge throughout most of the course and the few but helpful and enthusiastic volunteers at the aid stations. Aside from that, there are no excuses for the utter lack of organization and the staffing of clueless volunteers during registration, sitting 3 to a seat in a school bus during the ride to the start, a cheap ceramic medal, little evidence of Ultima or food at the finish, and the false advertising that billed this as part of a larger event experience. The Columbia Gorge is spectacular, but this event falls short of being called a 'GorgeFest!' If the race director and/or organizers would pay attention and work to correct their lack of organization, this marathon could be rated as one of the best in the country!
G. F. from California (6/11/2004) "Loosely organized, spectacular course" (about: 2004) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 The weather cooperated, the course was spectacular and challenging, the volunteers were cheerful and friendly. With 8 aid stations, I could have used one or two more. Pre-race organization seemed almost non-existent although it came together pretty well on race day. I would definitely recommend this race for those of you who do not want or need a lot of structure in your race organization and especially if you desire gorgeous scenery. It is probably a lot like road racing was back before it got really popular.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

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B. N. from OR (10/25/2016) "Beautiful, Challenging Course" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The packet pickup held at a local running store was ok. The out and back course was very challenging but some of the most beautiful scenery anyone could ask for. Climbing back up from Mosier at about mile 19 was the end of my somewhat reasonable pace. It rained toward the last few miles but that's to be expected for an Oregon fall race. The leaves, the river, the quaint town of Hood River was all very much worth it. The ceramic medal on a narrow ribbon was a little underwhelming. I wished I had been fast enough for the age group awards. Those medals were the kind I would have expected for everyone. The after party was held in a huge tent, which was awesome because of the light rain. The taco bar was a welcome site after running a full marathon. Overall a very beautiful small town race. I would highly recommend it, just not for a PR. Take your time and enjoy this one.
J. N. from South Bend, IN (12/28/2005) "Beautiful, lonesome run down a wind-tunnel." (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I travelled to Oregon in 2005 to run this "Top 10 most beautiful marathon" race. Upon arrival in Hood River (during a local bike race classic that filled the town with cyclists and fans) it took half an hour to find anyone that knew anything about "a marathon" and another 15 minutes to find the start/packet pickup (it's a small town) for the next morning. There were one or two friendly but disoriented volunteers in a big empty tent who really didn't know what was going on for the race. You bus out to Dalles for the start (there were about 50 of us in total) and stand around freezing (it was around 45 degrees at the start, overcast, Columbia River Gorge HEADwind) and waiting by a boat dock public bathroom for race instructions. Then off you go. We were told it was snowing in Portland (the direction we were heading) at the time. Beautiful, windy, lonesome day. Aid stations OK, friendly folks here and there in parked in pickup trucks along the way cheering us on. There is a HUGE 2.5 mile steep, ~800 elev. winding climb at halfway point nobody seems to mention, up to a scenic overlook. Then 2 miles steep downhill. Later, another big ~500 elev. climb. Last mile a steep decline - you have to love hills, or at least train well for them or your quads will be quivering mush. Oddly, I got a PR on this course. And the view of the whole Columbia River at the scenic outlook was unforgettable (and hard-earned).
B. W. from Washington State (6/6/2005) "Low Production Values" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 This is a truly beautiful marathon course. However, I wouldn't recommend this for beginners for the following reasons: a) very hilly course with a 800+-feet elevation gain, b)the gorge is like a wind tunnel and the course goes AGAINST the wind, c)infrequent water stations, d) no spectators to cheer you on. This is a very small marathon with little organization. There were a maximum of 50 runners at the starting line. I ran much of the course without seeing another runner. The finish line was pathetic (and poorly marked) with no clock to show your time. When will results be posted?? The medals are a disgrace (made of cardboard & twine??). This is NOT a professionally run race and is unlikely to survive with such low turnout. What a shame for such a beautiful course and wonderful town (Hood River).
B. H. from Portland, Oregon (6/6/2005) "Great course but small time" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 I only ran the 1/2 marathon in 2005. Check-in was easy. Course was great except... they had the turn-around in the wrong spot. So the 1/2 ended up only being about 11.8 miles long. Only water at the finish - no sports drink. Other food was fine. This is just like a little local race. I would not suggest you travel to do this race. I would do it again for the view only.
Erik Lovendahl from Coburg, Oregon (8/2/2004) "An awesome venue wasted." (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Columbia River Gorge Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 I have run this marathon twice and have seen a definite decline in quality since 2001. It's a pity considering the setting and volunteers; as many others have stated, this could easily become a destination event. Like L.W. in Washington and K.S. from Ohio, I too am waiting for my pasta feed refund and age group award. C'mon Kevin, step up. Pay back what you owe and then either put on a quality event or pass it on to someone who is willing to try. I'd like to think you will sleep better if you do.
c. s. from Tacoma, Wa (7/2/2004) "Course was beautiful but unorganized" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 This race was my first and the scenery was enough to take your mind off the task at hand. The race never felt quite like a race however because of the poor organization of the event as a whole. There was no official starting line and the race did start 15 minutes late. The race director was not even present 10 minutes prior to the start. One porta-pottie per rest stop gave you an average wait time of 5 people. The carbo dinner cruise was cancelled and we have not been refunded the purchase price of that dinner as of yet (4 weeks later). The race director has not answered emails regarding this refund and his phone number has been disconnected. As long as Kevin Foreman is the race director I would not add this to your list of events unless you just want to run an unorganized, unprofessional marathon. Get the map and run it on your own as your long run instead as it is a beautiful place.
K. C. from Oklahoma (6/15/2004) "False Advertisement" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I agree with all who previously posted. Beautiful scenery. The website boasted a Gorge Fest! I couldn't find a festival. The host hotel sent us to the wrong location for packet pick-up. No course maps were available. My family had hoped to drive along the course to take pictures and cheer me on, but we're not from the area and didn't know the route. There wasn't even a starting line! We just all gathered in a parking lot. The website promoted 13 aid stations and fresh fruit along the course. I believe it mentioned cherries, apples and peaches. There werre 10 aid stations, and I got offered a banana at one. I'm glad I carried my own water bottle, because no marathoner should have to run 4 miles without any fluid replacement. OK, the finisher's medals were unique, but mine didn't even have a string on it! As for post-race replenishment... banana's and bagels. I couldn't even find water! And where were the long sleeve Finisher T-shirts they promised? I didn't get mine. The $75.00 fee certainly doesn't go back into the race. I do not recommend this race.
L. W. from Washington (6/14/2004) "Incredible scenery, misleading promotional hype" (about: 2004) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 I looked forward to running this marathon for the renowned 'gorge-ous' course and for the extra festivities that were advertised on the website. While I enjoyed the course tremendously (awesome and challenging), the 'extras' were not exactly as expected. The 'long-sleeved' T-shirt must have had the sleeves cropped, the '13 aid stations' were reduced to 10 without electrolytes at many of them, the '40 vendors' at the festival were virtually invisible, the packet pick-up volunteers didn't have info about the race or the maps -- 'Maps are coming soon ...' Somebody better check to see if they've arrived yet. 'Carbo Cruise' turned into a 'Dinner Train' without warning and a time difference of 1 1/2 hours. Then it was cancelled without explanation. I'll be checking my VISA statement to make sure it's credited. Although, the finisher's medal isn't the most important thing to me, at least it should look like one and have the word 'finisher' on it -- maybe even the word 'marathon' on it as well. I have run in other marathons that cost less and came through on it's promotional extras. I hope that this can be improved because it is a first-rate course. Keep the course and the great aid station volunteers -- they worked harder than the race organizers.
H. P. from USA (6/11/2004) "Beautiful course with poor organization!" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I just ran this marathon a few days ago. I agree with P.H.'s recent comment, because I experienced similar hassles trying to pick up my race number and timing chip. The only saving graces of this race were the spectacular scenery of the Columbia River Gorge throughout most of the course and the few but helpful and enthusiastic volunteers at the aid stations. Aside from that, there are no excuses for the utter lack of organization and the staffing of clueless volunteers during registration, sitting 3 to a seat in a school bus during the ride to the start, a cheap ceramic medal, little evidence of Ultima or food at the finish, and the false advertising that billed this as part of a larger event experience. The Columbia Gorge is spectacular, but this event falls short of being called a 'GorgeFest!' If the race director and/or organizers would pay attention and work to correct their lack of organization, this marathon could be rated as one of the best in the country!
G. F. from California (6/11/2004) "Loosely organized, spectacular course" (about: 2004) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia River Gorge Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 The weather cooperated, the course was spectacular and challenging, the volunteers were cheerful and friendly. With 8 aid stations, I could have used one or two more. Pre-race organization seemed almost non-existent although it came together pretty well on race day. I would definitely recommend this race for those of you who do not want or need a lot of structure in your race organization and especially if you desire gorgeous scenery. It is probably a lot like road racing was back before it got really popular.

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Marathon Details - Columbia River Gorge Marathon