With October beginning next week, we are now in the Fall Marathon Season, with so many great races one can participate in.  Next weekend is both the Portland Marathon and the Royal Victoria Marathon and we have local runners heading down to Portland to participate.  My running buddies Paul and Laura, with other islanders, will toe the Portland line.  Paul is wanting to run in 3:25 and Laura is running as a socialite.

I ran the Portland Marathon in 1991.  The course differs from the one used today.  Portland always puts on a nice run.  Visit:  www.portlandmarathon.org.

The Royal Victoria is just right across the water and is foreign to me.  I have wanted to run Victoria many times over the years, but one thing or another kept me from making the journey.  Next year I plan on being there and I am currently training to run fast.  Not sure how fast, but fast.  Visit:  www.royalvictoriamarathon.com.

Also, next week is the new Bellingham Bay Marathon, in, of all places, Bellingham.  Three island women are heading over there.  One, to run the marathon and two to run the half marathon.  Visit:  www.bellinghambaymarathon.org.

On Saturday the 13th is the Leavenworth Marathon over in the scenic town of Leavenworth.  This course has nice rolling hills and nice views of the surrounding mountains.  Runners are not required to wear lederhosen.  Visit:  www.leavenworthmarathon.com.

Then on the next day, the 14th, is the Spokane Marathon, which I have also run.  This scenic and hilly course follows the Spokane River west, then crosses the river at Seven Mile Bridge and heads back to town.  The craziest part to this race is having to run up Doomsday Hill at mile 22.  If you have ever run the historic Bloomsday Run in the spring, you know Doomsday Hill and what a pain in the butt that is.  At mile 22 it is a bigger pain in the butt.

Saturday, October 20, is the Halloween Marathon down in Olympia.  I haven't run this race, but it sounds like fun.  The also do a half marathon, 10 mile, 10K and 5K races as well.  For more information please call 360-273-9684.  I am sure costumes are encouraged.  I think I would go as a runner.

Down in Northern California is the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon in the Ave. of the Giants (www.redwoodsmarathon.org).  This race is on October 21.  I have run, with my son Ammon, it's sister race The Avenue of the Giants Marathon (www.theave.org) which is held the first of May.   Both races basically use the same course and the views of these giant redwood trees is awesome. 

On Sunday, October 28, the Tri-Cities Marathon is held in Richland.  Flat and fast course the winds along the Columbia River.  Visit:  www.4rrr.org.

There you have it.  A month long list of some great marathons to pick from.  Me?  I am not marathon running this October as Baby Finn should be arriving and I want to spend some time with him.

Happy Running.