The Breakaway Promotions team is now deep into planning and getting ready for 2012 as we are on the verge of ringing in the New Year. Thanks to all of you who participated last year as we had nearly 1200 runners pounding the pavement on one of the most scenic marathon courses in the U.S.

Due to traffic concerns and our commitment to keeping the Columbia Gorge Marathon experience one of the best in the West we are capping the event at 1000 participants in 2012. For those 1000 that sign up to run we look forward to serving and supporting you as you work to achieve your goal.

What better way to ring in the New Year and have a fitness goal….. SIGN UP for the 2012 Columbia Gorge Marathon and Half Marathon.

Register by January 1st and save $10 as well as receive a free pair of limited edition Columbia Gorge Marathon running socks. With this year’s registration limit of 1000 runners we will fill up fast. Be sure to register early to save your spot

Sincerely,
Leslie, Chad, Lori and rest of the Breakaway Crew

Sign Up To Race At Active.com!

If you would like to contact Scott about purchasing any of these photos, you can do so by emailing him at: mcmullens@gorge.net

Finish Line Festivities
The finish line will take place at the Hood River Marina lawn, and will be a finish line like no other!
Food will be offered to spectators at the price of $7.00 per person. This means you may purchase a ticket to enter and enjoy our finish line food along with the race participants:

• Hot homemade soup made by Rosauer’s, our local independent grocery store.
• Rolls made by Lou Gehrig, a local baker known and loved by many.
• Taco Bar provided by Taco del Mar.
• Juanita’s chips and Veronica’s Salsa, both locally made products.
• Bagels made locally at Hood River Bagel Co.
• Apples and pears organically grown in the Hood River Valley.

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Event Parking and Shuttle to The Start
Parking and shuttle for competitors will be around the Hood River Marina Area located close to the finish line. Shuttles will leave from this site starting at 7 AM and running every 10 minutes until 9:20 AM on race day to transport you to the Columbia Gorge Highway start area. There will be a gear drop located at the start and all clothing/gear will be transported back to finish line to await your arrival.
There is NO PARKING at the Start.
It is DROP OFF ONLY.

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Earlier Start Offered
We will be offering an early start time of 8:00 AM for competitors who believe their finishing time will be over 6 hours. Please be at the start line and ready to go by 8:00! We will have an official there to get you on your way to experience one of the most scenic marathons in the country! Enjoy!

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Aid Stations
Aid Stations on course will be placed approximately every three miles. All will be furnished with water and Gatorade. GU, oranges, bananas and other treats at other noted stations.
Please see website for specific information/mileage regarding aid stations.

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Packet Pickup
Pre race packet pick up will take place in two locations for your convenience.

To ensure the most up to date and accurate listings we will be holding our Portland packet pick up on FRIDAY, October 21st at Portland Fit Right NW from 2-6:30 PM.
2258 NW Raleigh St. Portland, OR 97210
(503) 525-2122
(CLICK HERE FOR MAP)

Our second day of packet pickup will be held on Saturday, October 22nd at Shortt Supply in Hood River, between the hours of 12-7:00 PM.
116 Oak Street Hood River, OR 97031
(541) 386-5474
(CLICK HERE FOR MAP)

You will also be able to pick up your packet race day, October 23rd between 6:30 – 8:30 AM under the
10 X 10 tent near the shuttle pickup/finish area.
Please get your packet BEFORE you load the shuttle to go to the start.

We hope you will make every effort to pick up packet before event day at one of our two locations.

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Two Person Team Half Marathon
This event is two people splitting a HALF marathon. One runner will run out meeting their teammate who has driven east to the town of Mosier.
The first leg of the Two Person Team Half Marathon event will be a shorter, easier distance measuring 5.2 miles. The second leg measures out at 7.9 miles.

The first runner will go from the Columbia Gorge/Mark Hatfield Trailhead Start to Mosier, and the second runner will return along the same route the first runner ran PLUS continue into Hood River to the finish line at the Hood River Marina. The second leg is two miles longer than the first!

Please plan accordingly with your partner for the difference in distances.
There will be an exchange set up to assist runners.

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New Course!
Participants will be bussed from the finish line to the new course start…instead of beginning your run with those nice uphill turns you will begin where no cars are allowed to travel! Head directly east to your turn around at Rowena Crest for the marathon or in Mosier for those doing the half. Finish line will be where it has always been, on the marina lawn riverside!

Experience one of the country’s most spectacular and breathtaking marathons. Begin your run on the historic Columbia River Highway with its colorful fall foliage, pass by waterfalls and enjoy amazing vistas. Pass through the small town of Mosier then wind your way up to the turn around at Rowena Viewpoint which offers incredible views both to the east and west of the Columbia River Gorge. Finish your marathon on the banks of the Columbia River and a finish line like no other.

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Pistil beanies for the first 1500 who register!
Additional participants will receive a long sleeve shirt.

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Kids Marathon
Sponsored by Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital and Gorge Spine and Sports Medicine. Kids can run a marathon, a mile at a time and on race day finish their MARATHON by running the last 1.2 miles together. Kids will receive their very own marathon medal!

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Testimonial from a previous participant

“Thank you all for a wonderful first marathon experience! Very will organized, wonderful support, and so beautiful. Can’t wait to make it an annual event! Thank you to all the volunteers who cheered us on our way. See you all next year.”

Don’t wait, register today!!!

We have a new course this year which will prove to not only be beautiful, but a great challenge too!

Registration NOW open, so sign up for this outstanding running event to reserve your spot!!

The first 1500 competitors will receive a Pistil Beanie in their swag bag this year.
T-shirts will be given to the remaining 500 participants.

Fees

Packet Pickup:

Packet pick up will take place at two locations.

To ensure the most up to date and accurate listings we will be holding our Portland packet pick up on FRIDAY, October 21st at Portland Fit Right NW from 2-6:30 PM.

Our second day of packet pickup will be held on October 22nd at Shortt Supply in Hood River, between the hours of 12-7:00 PM.
Shortt Supply is located at:

116 Oak Street Hood River, OR 97031
(541) 386-5474

View Larger Map

You will also be able to pick up your packet race day, October 23rd between 6:30 -8:30 AM under the finish tent. We hope you will make every effort to pick up packet before event day at one of our two locations.

Race to benefit the Hood River Wrestling Team, HRVHS Track and Cross Country programs

The Famous Tunnels on the Old Columbia Highway Photo Credit: Scott McMullen

Photo Credit: Scott McMullen

He also took 2nd in the Half-Marathon Men’s Race!  Way to go Larry and thanks for a nice write up on the event!

Photo By Evan Pilchik Photography

Read The Article Here!