The BATH

The BATH

The BATH

( 5 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Portland,
    Oregon,
    United States
  • January
  • 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, 26.2 miles/Marathon
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Tim Murphy

Portland, Oregon, United States
275 54
2017
"Misery and Joy"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Tim Murphy's thoughts:

The organizers were thrown a curveball this year, having their course highjacked and ripped apart during a remodel. To preserve the 52.5 lap tradition, the organizing committee was able to secure a yard-track outside of Portland. While said track was in relatively poor condition, most of the field understood that this was a temporary solution and the 2018 BATH would feature a much more desirable course. Either way, kudos to the org for finding an alternative course and making it work!

Race day weather was typical of a February morning in Portland - cold and rainy. Temps were mid/upper 30s and there was a steady rain throughout the race. No such thing as bad weather, only bad gear though - right? Well, I should have opted for tights over shorts, but otherwise I was about as prepared as could be expected.

Beyond that, it was 52.5 laps of trying to not think about what you are doing, but also having to remember to click "lap" on your watch 53 times. I love this event because it provides a great way to race hard, be around a lot of runners of all talent levels (some serious talent showed up to this year's BATH - winner was just under a 1:12...), and even check in with people as the race progresses.

Aid stations were awesome - two tables set up for Elite-level fluid placement. There was also a warming tent at the beginning, which was critical gear storage during the rain. Some really solid amenities this year.

SWAG - my wife Jess took third in the female division, and her trophy was off the charts (pic below). While that isn't something everyone received, the creativity and craftsmanship really are worth noting.
Something everyone did receive? FREE RACE PHOTOS! The organizers were able to assemble some serious photography talent and runners were treated to some amazing race day photos. Running in the rain might not be ideal, but epic pics of you doing so ensure your legendary status will live on.

My race didn't go that well - started feeling some pretty severe hamstring issues (that's new) with about 20 laps to go, so I really just tried to keep pushing without getting myself into trouble. Finish time was 1:19:20, almost 3 minutes slower than last year.

Such a great race, highly recommend, and I can't wait for 2018!

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