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Oregon > Columbia River Power Marathon, Half Marathon & 8K
Umatilla, OR • Saturday, September 21, 2013 • Course Map
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With its unique combination of two river crossings over the mighty Columbia River that flows between Washington State and Oregon, as well as stretches that take runners through stark desert landscapes just beyond the banks of the Columbia and Umatilla Rivers, the Columbia River Power Marathon, Half Marathon & 8K marks its 6th annual running here in this small city in northeastern Oregon in the fall of 2013.
More than 270 runners crossed the finish line in all three races combined in 2012 -- with just over 100 runners finishing the half marathon alone -- along an out-and-back course that starts and finishes near the city's Big River Golf Course, along Willamette Street.
From there, those running the half marathon follow the route northward across the river over the McNary Dam right after passing the first mile marker, and head over to the Washington State side of the river for the next five miles of the race, which unfold along McNary and Plymouth Roads.
The scenery on the north side of the river will feature more of a desert-like feel as well as a mix of flat stretches and hills; runners will encounter probably the steepest downhill stretch of the half marathon between the 5th and 6th mile markers, as they make their way southward along Plymouth Road. The course then turns left once runners approach the riverbank, and then heads south back across the Columbia along the pedestrian path over the Highway 82 bridge.
Once runners make it back over to the southern side of the river (and back into Oregon), the course next features its biggest uphill stretches, rising from a low point of just under 300 feet above sea level around the mile 8 marker to about 500 feet above sea level by the time runners reach the mile 11 marker, as they're making their way around the eastern side of the golf course on the last couple of miles that take them in to the finish line at Big River Golf Course.
For the 2013 race, the scheduled starting time for all three races -- full marathon, half marathon and 8K -- is 8:00 AM.
Race
Weather & Climate
Located along the winding Columbia River that serves as the border between Oregon and Washington State, just over 180 miles east of Portland, Umatilla typically experiences mild to moderately warm weather in the early fall season, and usually very dry weather year-round.
In September, Umatilla temperatures average between 52°F and 76°F, while rainfall averages less than half an inch for the month. On the day of the race (Sept. 21), the average low is 50°F and the average high is 74°F.
Course Map
View the race route map for the Columbia River Power Half Marathon
Fees
$45 for the half marathon, if registered by August 31, 2013
$55 between September 1 - 21
Registration
To reserve your spot in the fall 2013 running of Umatilla's Columbia River Power Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay or 8K race, register online at Active.com.
Official Race Website
www.columbiarivermarathon.com
Leave a Comment
Ever run in Oregon's annual Columbia River Power Marathon or Half Marathon? Share your impressions and read fellow runners' stories and tips for the event.
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