Columbia River Power Marathon

Distances: marathon, half-marathon
http://www.columbiarivermarathon.com/
2008 was the 1st running of this race. The course crosses McNary Dam and runs a 5 mile loop in Washington, crosses back across the columbia via the I-82 bridge footpath and then the remainder is one big loop on the Oregon side. It is all paved except a five mile section on the Oregon side along the river. The unpaved part is old dirt road with small and large rocks and a lot of sand, which is sometimes hard to run on. Once back on pavement, heading back to town, you run on the right side of the road along mostly narrow shoulders (that is with oncoming traffic at your back). To increase safety, I suggested that they reverse the loop on the Oregon side, so runners can see the oncoming traffic. Great aid stations. Very well done for a first time event.
****reviewed by a guest reviewer****