After reading feedback from over 150 participants, we have come to a decision.The majority of you feel strongly that you would like to run an in-person event, at the same location, on the same date, whatever changes have to be made. While the double out and back course is not ideal for most, some of you mentioned having done such a course at another race, and it was fun in its own way. This option allows us to stay in the two jurisdictions that are most open and have lower virus counts. It also allows our team the time to re-measure and certify the course.We have spoken with the City of Harrisburg, Linn County, the USATF course certifier for Oregon, Brad Bauer who is timing the race, and Harrisburg School District. All of them have shown support of what we are doing. The City of Harrisburg has one more step to complete in gaining approval for the plan, and that will be done by Tuesday.As several of you are running the race for your 50 states goal, Marathon Maniacs, Boston Marathon qualification, NY Marathon qualification, and other official goals, we will make sure to complete the course certification in time. Our director has personally measured several courses, and he knows how to get this done.Some of you did not agree that the race should continue, given the risks associated with the virus and the changes to the course. Some of you have personal health concerns. Others feel the course will not offer the same enjoyment or opportunities to excel. We understand your concerns and are offering deferrals and refunds to those who choose not to participate this year. We understand that everybody has to do what is best for themselves and their family. Please be patient as we do our best to keep track of all your requests. This is not standard procedure for us.In order to minimize congestion on race day, we will cap registration much lower than expected. Total numbers in the full marathon will not exceed 120, and total numbers in the half will not exceed 130. We are still debating whether or not we can do the 5K with the amount of increased congestion for the short period of time. If you have not yet had a chance to register for half or full marathon, please do so right away, or you might miss your chance.Information and Details:Location is the same, Harrisburg Middle School at 201 S 6th St, Harrisburg, OR 97446. Please note, the middle school is at the corner of Smith and 6th Street, but the race start is off of Smith. Where Smith Street intersects 7th Street, there is a school bus driveway on the south side of Smith. That’s the spot.Race start times and time limits will be the same. Full marathon starts at 7:00am and there is a 7 hour time limit. Half marathon starts at 8:00am and there is a 6 hour time limit. The starts will be staggered, but not tremendously. We will take the counsel of our race timer and make decisions on how much to stagger. We especially want to spread out the half marathon runners in the first 2 miles so the full marathon leaders don’t have to run through a tight crowd.Shuttles will not be necessary as we start and finish at the same location. There is parking in Harrisburg near the start/finish. If you arrive at least 40 minutes prior to your start time, you will be able to find parking in various school lots or on the public streets. Try to avoid parking in zones marked for the race course. The course will be marked out at least a day before with arrow signs, traffic signs, and other markings.Packet pick up will be at the start/finish area Thursday, 5:00pm to 7:00pm and Friday, 5:00pm to 8:00pm. In order to discourage big congregations of people before the event, we will not be doing an expo. Sometime Thursday 5pm to 7pm, or Friday 5pm to 8pm, you will come to the start/finish area, where tables will be set up with bibs organized and laid out by number. Your bib number will be linked to your last and first name. Just go to the line showing your number range, and we will give you your bib with safety pins. Shirts will be organized by size, and you can pick up the shirt size you asked for in your registration.We look forward to seeing most of you in September!
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I loved running the half marathon this year!! The course was diverse, well laid out, and clearly marked. All the volunteers were cheerful and helpful. I loved the food at the end, the music and the great energy and enthusiasm of all those involved. It was very evident that great care and thought went into every detail of this fantastic race. A big thank you to everyone who put so much time and effort into making this race a great experience!! Each succeeding year of this race gets better and better--I look forward to next year!
I had a blast. The course was well laid out and the stations were a great sight to see. The finish line was set up wonderfully. The after food, music, stretch tables and crowd were very welcoming. Thank you for everything. I really can't wait till next year.
My first Marathon! This was a great experience, extremely well marked course not only that but someone at every turn cheering you on was great, big thanks to them! Aid stations lots of them, after mile 20 my belt was empty and I was almost running on empty, they relly helped me finsh, they had everything I was even able to get a gel packet. I will run it again, and would recommend it to anyone. Thank you!
I do travel out-of-state for races from time to time and when I heard about this one, I had to participate. From the amazing/scenic course to the incredible volunteers, friendly participants & spectacular weather, I'd have to give kudos for a job well done. You guys just keep rocking it like you are and it won't forsake you. I hope to be back next year!
This was my first race ever and it could not have been any better! The energy on the course was amazing, everyone cheering each other on was inspiring. Having a pacer helped me complete my half marathon in my goal time! The whole event was well planned and a fun day all around, can't wait to do it again!!
The race was awesome. A really beautiful course. So many kind volunteers cheering us on along the way. Lots of free yummy food at the end. Also live music, physical therapists to help you stretch afterward. The t-shirts were great. My friends from Georgia and I are planning to make this our memorial day tradition!
Great event! I just ran the half today! The race seemed well organized and the course is fast and flat as described and runs through lovely neighborhoods and parks, nicely shaded, lots of beautiful trees and greenery, etc. Loved the venue for the start and finish. Loved the free hot dog or burrito option at the end for participants and BTW the "dawg's" were great and the fellow that owns and runs the hot dog stand was really cool!! He even took the time to snap a few pics of my friend and I for us. Enjoyed the live music while we were eating and waiting for award announcements. I would definitely run this race again and since I won a free race entry (division award) I plan to do just that next year!
This was a very well organized marathon, especially for an inaugural one! Beautiful and fast course. I got a new PR! Great support along the course, especially in the last hard miles. The race director even ran with me for a little bit. :-) I would definitely recommend it. It was small being it's first year but I expect to see it grow a lot in the coming years.
