Running Races in Portland
Portland has more runners per capita than almost any US city. The combination of mild climate, incredible trail access, and a fiercely independent running culture makes it a runner dream. The city is home to Nike and multiple elite training groups, so the competitive scene runs deep. But the casual and fun side is just as strong, with themed races, brewery runs, and trail adventures in Forest Park.
Best Months
May to October
State
Oregon
Top Race
Portland Marathon
Total Races
5+ featured
Major Races in Portland
Portland Marathon
Marathon/HalfFall marathon through downtown, the Pearl District, and along the Willamette.
Shamrock Run
15K/8K/5KPortland running tradition. Huge St. Patrick Day themed event.
Hood to Coast Relay
199 MilesThe mother of all relays. Teams of 12 run from Mount Hood to Seaside.
Portland Trail Series
VariousMonthly trail races in Forest Park and beyond.
Bridge to Brews
10K/5KCross Portland bridges and finish with craft beer. Very Portland.
Course Preview Video
Course Terrain
Flat along the Willamette River and east side. Hilly in the west hills and Forest Park. Forest Park alone has 80+ miles of trails.
Two Signature Races, Two Different Challenges
The Portland Marathon and Hood to Coast are the two marquee endurance events in Oregon, but they demand completely different logistics. The marathon is a single morning through downtown and along the Willamette, while Hood to Coast needs a support van, two drivers, and a rotating team of twelve runners covering legs through the night from Mount Hood to the coast.
Hood to Coast earned its reputation as the mother of all relays partly from its scale, with thousands of vans and tens of thousands of runners moving through small Oregon towns over a stretch that runs well past a full day, and partly from the logistics, since teams need to coordinate exchange points, sleep schedules, and van decorating long before race weekend.
Forest Park Trail Racing Scene
The Portland Trail Series runs a rotating race through Forest Park roughly every other week from spring through fall, giving Portland a level of organized trail racing most cities this size cannot match, since the park trail mileage alone rivals what some cities offer across their entire running network.
Shamrock Run mid March date and multiple distance options make it the race most Portland runners point to as their first event of the outdoor season, arriving just as the wettest stretch of Oregon winter starts to ease.
Race Day Tips for Portland
Rain is part of the Portland running experience. Embrace it. Do not complain about it.
Forest Park trails can be muddy and technical. Trail shoes are a must for trail races.
TriMet buses and MAX light rail serve most race venues well.
Portland runners are casual and friendly. Do not be surprised if someone hands you a donut mid race.
This page covers the 5 races in Portland we track closely, but there is always more happening on any given weekend. If none of these fit your schedule, search for a race anywhere in the country using registration platforms, club calendars, and local resources.
Sharpening your speed before race day matters as much as picking the right course. If your training block calls for measured intervals, find a running track near you in Portland for accurate splits away from traffic and stoplights.
Running Clubs in Portland
Portland Running Company
Running store with a massive community and group run calendar.
Oregon Road Runners
One of the oldest running clubs in the state.
Forest Park Running Group
Trail runners exploring the largest urban forest in the US.
The clubs above are a starting point, not the full picture. For more ways to connect with training partners in Portland or anywhere else, see our guide to finding a running club.
Turn Your Portland Runs Into a Game
Portland is built for Motera. Forest Park trails, bridges, and quirky neighborhoods mean there is always new territory to discover and capture.
MoteraExplore Portland Running Routes
Looking for where to train between races? Check out our full running guide for Portland with top routes, terrain info, and local tips.
Running in Portland GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What is Hood to Coast?
Hood to Coast is a 199 mile relay race from Mount Hood to the coast of Seaside, Oregon. Teams of 12 runners take turns running legs through the mountains, valleys, and coast. It is one of the most iconic relay races in the world.
Is Portland good for trail running?
Portland is one of the best trail running cities in the US. Forest Park alone has 80+ miles of trails within the city limits. Wildwood Trail, Leif Erikson Drive, and Firelane trails are all popular.
When is the best time to run in Portland?
June through September is the best time for running in Portland with warm, dry weather. The rest of the year is rainy but mild. Portland runners run year round regardless.
What is the Shamrock Run?
The Shamrock Run is Portland largest and oldest running event, held in mid March. It offers 5K, 8K, and 15K distances and attracts 30,000+ participants.
Are there brewery runs in Portland?
Yes. Portland is the craft beer capital, and many running clubs organize brewery runs. Bridge to Brews is the biggest organized race that finishes with beer.
