Nearly 15,000 runners took to the United States streets Sunday for the 54th annual Portland Marathon, marking the largest turnout in the event’s history, according to organizers.
The race drew participants ranging from experienced marathoners to people competing in their first 26.2-mile event. Organizers said the growing participation reflects the marathon’s place as one of Portland’s major community events.
“With this being the city signature marathon, we understand the importance of community involvement and continue to put effort towards expanding our relationships and partnerships with local groups and organizations,” said Austri Biddinger, Marketing Lead for the Portland Marathon. “Year-after-year we continue to see the runner’s experience grow and overall race demand increase, and plan to only grow from here with the help of the amazing Portland community.”
Connor Ford captured the men’s marathon title and finished first overall, completing his first marathon in 2 hours, 27 minutes and 17 seconds. Jake Stout finished second, while Zach Steele placed third in the men’s division.
Portland runner Margaret Glad led the women’s field, crossing the finish line in 2:52:42. Jenna Schwartz was the women’s runner-up, followed by Maria Conti in third.
The gender-expansive division was won by JL Odom, who posted a time of 3:13:45. Georgie Okell finished second and Brook Lindsey placed third.
For many participants, however, the significance of the event went beyond finishing positions and times.
Benjamin Bazzel of Tigard, who was running his first marathon, said reaching the finish line was his primary goal.
“It’s my first marathon so just happy to make it to the finish line,” said Benjamin Bazzel, who is from Tigard.
The Portland Marathon is also a Boston Marathon qualifying race, helping attract competitors from across Oregon and beyond. Among the runners were people using the event to mark personal milestones, overcome difficult experiences or show support for loved ones.
Laila Corzo traveled from McHenry, Illinois, after overcoming a serious health setback that once left her unable to walk.
“I was hospitalized a few years ago and lost my ability to walk,” said Laila Corzo, who is from McHenry, Illinois. “Now, I just run marathons for fun and I just do it for the people that can’t.”
Oregon residents Denise Polacek and her daughter Rebecca Muraves also had a deeply personal reason for participating. The pair ran together in memory of a family loss involving Polacek’s other daughter.
“We’re running for my other daughter who just lost a baby in May,” Polacek said. “She wanted us to do it for healing, for the family. They just beat us!”
Completing the race also became a personal test of endurance and confidence for the mother and daughter.
“It wasn’t so hard that you can’t do it,” Polacek said. “I’m 64. If I did it, they can do it.”
“It builds a lot of self-confidence to know that you can do this, even with minimal prep,” Muravez said.
Presented by Nike Running, the Portland Marathon weekend also featured a half marathon, 10K and Kids Run, giving participants of different ages and experience levels an opportunity to take part.
