Columbia River Power Marathon

My mom and I did this as a training run (24 miles) for our October marathon; I was so happy to find it. I had never been to Umatilla and had never even heard of this marathon. The first half of the course was so cool, you start off by running across the dam and it is really awesome and interesting. The first half is all along roads; the second half (an out and back along a fire trail/road) has truly awful running surfaces. It is continually changing from shale, sand, what could be mud if it had rained, rocks, etc. I run in Vibrams and the shale really did a number on my running form because I was trying not to hurt my feet too much. The major benefit of the back half of the course...you are running along the Columbia River. The view was gorgeous! We were lucky with the weather and were really able to enjoy the view. I gave the course a 3 just because of my experience with it. I would think other people who are more prepared for the running surface or are more into trail type marathons would absolutely rate it higher. This is not a big marathon (I think there were 38ish finishers) and with how the course is set up there really isn't a lot of people out watching. Which is fine with me, I love a good crowd, but nothing is ever going to look like Chicago/NYC/Boston type marathon with spectators everywhere. However, the people that were there were absolutely fantastic. The local high school has the cheerleaders out there and the XC team out there. Every volunteer was so supportive. I can't say enough good things about the volunteers. Each aid station was packed with everything that you might think you need. We had a GU malfunction about 20 seconds in the run and were able to use the wipes at the first station to get things less sticky. There is a very long uphill at mile 23-24. Very long. Also would be very hot if it was a warmer day. The race director and his crew were great, all around.

I traveled from Michigan to Oregon to run both this race and the Columbia Gorge Marathon, and was not dissapointed. I arrived early the day of the race, and check in was a breeze. They had plenty of water, fruit, and bagels in a continental breakfast style. The race was delayed by a few minutes to thank the sponsers and explain the course a little. This was not a big deal to me at all, since we chip timed. We were sent off by a 3-piece band signing 'Come Together'. Definently a little different and unique. The weather could not have been better, sunny with temps in the high 60's. No rain at all. The course: The Columbia Gorge Marathon advertises itself as the most scenic marathon in the country, but I think this one is overall better. We ran across the McNary Dam, into the hills of Washington, and then back into Oregon, all with outstanding views. There is a small portion of the course in the docks of the Port, but this is kind of interesting too. Then we embarked on a 7 mile (one way) out and back on the Lewis and Clark Trail. The beauty was simply stunning. Every twist and turn led you to another breath-taking view. Once out of the park, we did a quick 2 mile out and back past a really cool series of formations called 'Hat Rock'. Then we headed back onto the trail. Yes, there were hills, but none were truly awful. The worst was the one at mile 23, which is a series of 'S' curves up the side of the bluff. Luckily for the slow people like me, we had a very strong wind pushing us up. It wasn't so nice when we turned into it to finish, but it helped on the hill. Support: They had the most well stocked aid stations I've ever seen in my 11 marathons. Every one had water, gateraid, fruit, clif blocks (all unwraped and easy to grab). They were pretty evenly spaced. The course was well marked, and had people stationed at the tricky spots to tell you which way to go. Finish: There is a long straight away at the finish that I'm not a fan of, because you can see it forever, but you seemingly never get to it. But when you did, you were greeted by the race director and had plenty of water available. A short walk took you back to the hotel and an awesome spread of potatoes (with all the toppings) and chili. It was really good and there was plenty of food. If you want spectators, bring your own. There were none along the course except family and the volunteers. But those people did really cheer us on. All in all, this was my favorite marathon so far. I can't say enough about the aid stations being so well stocked and friendly volunteers. I chatted with the race director for a while after I finished, and you could tell that she really cared about the runners. There were 79 of us marathoners total. Oh, the medal was very cool, as was the tech shirt. If you are looking for an Oregon Marathon to run, I highly suggest this one!

I have done over 170 different marathons and think this is one of the most scenic courses. It has you running across a dam into another state and back over the Columbia River on a bridge with views of both states. There are plenty of well stocked aid stations and friendly volunteers. There were very few spectators but the volunteers cheer you on. I enjoyed the trail part the most. There are no roots to trip over and just a few places with loose rock that you can go around. The trail runs along the Columbia River and is an out-and-back section of the race so you get to see other runners coming from the opposite direction. The hardest part of the course for me was the hill at about mile 23. I did not think this course was as tough as some runners said. I did the Columbia Gorge Marathon the next day and thought that was MUCH tougher. The "potato" feed after the race was excellent. If you like a scenic marathon with different terrain, great volunteers, and a reasonable price, this might be the race for you. I am a slow runner and also liked the idea that there is no time limit on finishing.