4/5 Stars

Race day overall was good. But, the race course itself was too brutal for 26.2. I would not do the marathon again only because it was so hard. I have never done a Revel marathon (only half) or other downhill marathon and it's not for me. It was too steep of a grade for the first 8 miles for me to recover my legs for the later miles. Most memorable was the views the first few miles. Race organization and course aid stations were great!

Yes, shockingly, I PR'd by 1 minute, even though my last 4 miles were horrendous and slow and I walked the most I have ever had to walk. My goal was a BQ, though, which I missed by 7 minutes. I was on pace to do so until those last few miles. This was the worst part for me. But, remain grateful of my overall finish.

Beautiful overall, and very scenic, with the exception of the 4 lane highway and cars the last few miles before the Rainbow Trout Park. Loved the pine trees, canyon road, sun at our back, waterfalls and other views the rest of the course. The first half was better than the second half. The traffic and having to be on the shoulder alone, was not ideal and a bit demoralizing.

Training was normal for marathons. I do a lot of rolling hills training. But, I underestimated how much downhill training is necessary to be successful and feel better in a downhill marathon course. It is absolutely necessary to do "downhill hard repeats" with walking up or a brick training arrangement that includes hard downhills and go into a moderate pace flat running. Adequate downhill training so the legs can get accustomed to that pounding.

Train for downhills, for real! Know whether you will be ok with "banking" fast miles early, rather than negative splitting a marathon. Be sure you have the right shoes that will withstand the pounding. My Hoka Cliftons were fine. Take advantage of the hotel shuttle to the start since it is kind of far to get to the start parking.

Only spent time around the neighborhood where the host hotel was; great area with cute shops and restaurants. I did not venture into downtown or do anything else since I was traveling solo. I traveled all the way from Maryland too!

5/5 Stars

I just loved running with my dad and had a great first time experience doing the half marathon. I loved the route and everything provided to support us along the way.

Yes. This was my first half!

It was mostly downhill grade, not overly steep. A couple of uphill portions but not too long or steep. Wooded area so plenty of shade except for a small stretch on the highway. Nice stream nearby along the course.

I would have trained a little more but spent a couple months focusing in more on some longer runs. About a month before the race I ran 13.1 miles to see what the full length was like just took it at a slower pace which was helpful. I will do a few more longer runs and try to maintain a healthier diet for next time!

As always and for any run to NOT overextend yourself early on. I stuck with my dad for the first 9 miles and we kept a steady pace only slightly speeding up for 1-2 minute stretches to creep up on other runners. Between 9 and 10 miles I picked up the pace a little. Bring a jacket for when you're waiting and put it in your runners bag which they will take for you at the starting point before you start. Have fun and talk with fellow runners on the bus rides!

We came from Junction City Kansas. After the race we travelled up to Cannon Beach Oregon then up to Olympic National Park for a couple days then to Seattle so we had a great trip. As for Portland area, Oven and Shaker was a nice Pizza place with some unique choices!

5/5 Stars

Truly enjoyed the beautiful course. It was great to have so much shade for many miles and be surrounded by all the evergreeens.

I set a PR on this course, actually crushed it!

This downhill course was gradual and comfortable. I was a bit apprehensive before the race, and was so happy with the grade % descend.

I don't train like the typical runner that joins running clubs and follows a calendar schedule. My 1st sport is cycling (actually endurance/long distance cycling & time trial races/long distances) and that gets me strong both muscles and cardio wise. I know we use different muscles for both sports, so I do run 3 days a week, but I don't hammer and stack a ton of miles on.

Most definitely practice a fair amount of downhill running. It is a quad dominant hog, so you need to be ready. There is also uphill spots, so it is just as important to incorporate uphill running into your training.

I only stayed an additional day, so I visited several different local restaurants for my meals (no chain restaurants). I didn't rent a car and took the lite rail everyone or walked. I also did my shake out running at the river and it was beautiful being surrounded by all the bridges. After the run and stretch down, I visited the Portland Rose Garden and was thinking about also going to the Japanese Garden but was simple too tired.

3/5 Stars

Had to wait an hour and a half after the marathon for a bus I paid $50
For. The buses to
Sandy School
Were plentiful and were free. Lots of people
Complaining about same issue. Course was
Awesome. Think they should compensate us the bus fee. Refund

No

Beautiful

Lots of long runs incorporating both uphill
And downhill and speed
Workouts

More downhill training

Sushi and drinks. Rhode Island

5/5 Stars

I loved the predawn energy as we waited for the half marathon race start. Mt. Hood stood in silent profile before sunrise, and as the race started, we all ran directly towards the full moon!

No, but at 71 years old, and limited training, I was thrilled with my 2:30 time, and 2nd place for my age group!

Except for the three miles on the major highway, the course was lovely! We gradually descended through old growth forest, meandering along an old road. I enjoyed the few fans that cheered us going by from their driveways.

Limited. I ran 1-3 miles several times before the race. I’d do more next time.

We spent the night at the Sandy High School parking lot in our motorhome...it made the early morning journey to our bus much easier.

Although we live in Arizona, I grew up in the area, and we stayed with close friends nearby. I also ran with three of my sons who traveled from Arizona and Seattle. The race was a family affair!

5/5 Stars

The best I have ever RUN......Revel YOU Rock....its only the beginning!

YES .....Major PR ......Qualified for the following: Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Houston Marathon, London Marathon.

Lighting Fast!

Trained 50 to 60 miles per week, would defiantly incorporate more down hill training.

Must do event! the people were so nice and everything was well organized and had its place.

Enjoyed the sunrise, weather, meeting new folks, and etc.

3/5 Stars

The top of the course was SO GORGEOUS! JUST AWESOME! The view of Mt. Hood and the whole first 5 miles was spectacular - for views - but too steep.

Nope...I was on pace too, but the steepness of the first 13 miles toasted my legs. I was hoping for a 3:25, but only got a 3:36. My PR is a 3:31. I did BQ, but was very disappointed that I missed my PR - and it was purely because of the steep downhill!

Gorgeous at the top, great temps, great shade with sun at your back. BUT WAY TOO STEEP on the first half pretty much. The elevation was fine, but we just came down too fast. Would much prefer to have spread out the downhill, and eliminated the uphills at the end! And I HATED being on the 4 lane highway with no protection - just on the shoulder. NOT COOL!

My training was great - other than the lack of elevation and hills available for me to train on. If I had to do this race again, I would have to find a way to train on some steep downhill. I had plenty of miles and speed and tempo training - just not enough downhill.

Train on downhill and get used to running on the shoulder of a fast 4-lane highway.

Ski-bowl activities (alpine slide, etc.) were lots of fun. Local hikes (zig-zag waterfall) aplenty. And visiting Timerbline Lodge. SO BEAUTIFUL!

4/5 Stars

Had a wonderful race!! What a great inaugural race! Great job to the race crew and volunteers! Revel Mt. Hood was a stunning course. I will definitely do this one again. The Timberline Lodge was amazing to stay at the night pre-race. Like stepping back in time. :)

I did not PR - but came very close! I did get a +5 minute BQ though - so I am a very happy runner! My PR is 3:48:58 and I did a 3:49:38. Missed a PR by 41 seconds! I will take that any day....

The course was gorgeous. You just can't get much better than that! Pine trees, a glorious morning, and Mt. Hood.....just stunning. The downhill is always going to hurt the quads just a bit, so be prepared. The only complaint was that we ran with our backs to traffic and semis and cars were speeding past us which felt unsafe a lot. You were just hoping no one was texting and driving so they would not run you over as you ran on the shoulder.

I have done 4 Hanson Marathon Method plans, but for this marathon....I did not do a total cycle...but did do speed and tempos and easy runs. I only wish we had downhill in Indiana to train on....but we don't!

Don't go TOO hard on the steep downhills. You have to bank a little, but be careful not to bank too much! There is a sweet spot to be found.

We stayed at the Timberline Lodge which was amazing in its own right. We whitewater rafted the Clackamas River which was gorgeous and fun! There are also beautiful waterfalls!! So many things! What a beautiful place. Can't wait to go back!

3/5 Stars

I thought the post-race food and activities were great. The medal is very nice, and I think the shirt is great too.

There weren’t any major snafus for me, fortunately, but there are a few things from an organizational standpoint that could have made the day go better :

1) Clear directions/signage of where the half and full marathon shuttles are located. My sister and husband ran the half, and I ran the full. I barely was able to get on the last full marathon shuttle bus bc I accidentally got on the half marathon shuttle first.

2) Waves organized by expected finish time, not when the person registered. This would be due to safety reasons. I had to turn around to look over my shoulder and sometimes run on the actual highway (not shoulder) in order to avoid traffic as I was passing people. The shoulder is too narrow to pass people while staying on the shoulder. This could be avoided by having faster runners in front, decreasing the need to pass other runners.

No

Very hard! I’ve run Revel Canyon City, which is not an easy course, and finished faster on that course than this course. I was in better shape on that course, however, so the difficulty level might be more attributed to my lack of training for this race. I also thought that course was very beautiful.

I was sick 2 weeks prior to the race and running not much in general since late May. I would not say I trained adequately for this race.

Make sure you train specifically for downhill running!

Went out to dinner with family and friends. I came from the Bay Area.

5/5 Stars

Very early morning, but nice weather and great logistical support without any problems

Nope! But I haven't been running much.

Beautiful course. Mostly downhill and the non-downhill sections were not excessive.

Need more miles. Need to find more time to log more miles.

Enjoy every step.

Enjoyed the pre-race expo!