Portland Marathon 2026: Call for Lead Cyclists

By Todd McCollum and Ronda McKenzie, Lead Cyclist Coordinators 

The Portland Marathon has once again invited PBC to partner with them on Sunday, October 4, to provide lead-out cyclists for marathon lead runners.  Runners follow and rely on the cyclists to accurately lead them through the course.

We are looking for 20 riders to serve in this crucial support role for the marathon.

Requirements:

— Availability, Sunday, October 4.  Be ready to ride at 6:30 a.m.

— Availability to attend an online orientation meeting during the week prior.  Date/time TBA.

— Ability to comfortably ride 26.2 (full marathon) or 13.1 miles (half marathon) and keep ahead of the fastest runners in excess of 11 mph.  Route will be through downtown Portland, Northwest Portland, the South Waterfront, Sellwood-Moreland, and the inner East Side, crossing the Broadway, Sellwood, and Burnside bridges, with some small climbs.  Approximately  700-800 total elevation gain.

— Good sense of direction and familiarity with the roads in these areas as well as a willingness to be vocal with runners when necessary. Most of the route will not be on roads the club frequently rides.  In some cases the route will be on roads we would never ride.  But of course, all or part of the roads will be closed during the race to accommodate the estimated 12,000 participants. A Ride with GPS route will be provided.

If interested, or if you have questions, please contact us by email.  We will provide more information as it becomes available.  For more information about the marathon visit portlandmarathon.com 

Those who have participated in the past have had a fantastic time.  We anticipate the same again this year. 

Todd McCollum, [email protected]

Ronda McKenzie, [email protected]

Co-coordinators, Portland Marathon Lead Cyclists