I invited my friend to run with me in Oregon (my goal is one half in each state). This race was such a disappointment. We drove from Ca. We spent a lot of money in Portland and enjoyed the food and atmosphere. On the evening of the race, we found ourselves cutting our arrival at the starting point very close. We had scouted the area the day before to ensure parking, and that we wouldn't get lost. We arrived just in time to join the group at the starting point. As we arrived, the announcer stated that the race start was delayed for 15 minutes for unknown reasons. The race started ok but it became clear that this was not going to be a well organized race. There were few people giving direction as to the course. The young volunteers were more interested in doing cart wheels and playing on their phone than directing runners through traffic. We witnessed two occasions where a runner had a close call with a vehicle, and one instance where a person running a shorter race (10K) didn't get turned around until she had run to the half way point of the HALF!!

Being from out of town, we had no idea what the course would actually feel like. The race is billed as a flat course. I am experienced enough to know that this is a discussion on net elevation gain. However, there were two big hills ( and commensurate downs) that caught many by surprise. I heard a lot of complaining from women and their elderly mothers who signed up because they thought it was flat.

Eventually, after getting onto the Springwater Corridor Trail the course became a no brainer. Unfortunately, this is also where the bigger issue came to light. I soon realized that we were running on the main path surrounded by homeless people's encampments. Reminder that this race starts in the early evening. As I ran on the path I witnessed a woman yelling because a smaller dog ran after her to bite her. The owners of the animal, (living in a tent on the path) also were upset because of the numerous runners passing through. This happened near an aid station, where the volunteers didnt have any idea of what to do. I yelled at the owners and ordered them to get their dog. They glared at me, but did so. I continued to run. I literally had to jump over or run around blue tarps etc. There were people standing near their shelters, glaring at the runners. Then I remembered my friend was behind me and I became worried for her safety as she is extremely petite and in my mind vulnerable simply because of that. I slowed and waited for her. As we turned around to go back through the gauntlet we saw the woman who was lost and had run too far. We did not see however, many first aid workers. According to a post on the event FB page, there were ten aid workers on the team, and their leader was a little worried for his team's safety. They rode as a group and were visible to us only twice. These staff should have been posted throughout the course and equipped with a communication device. We passed a man and a woman who were clearly high on Meth, as indicated by their physical appearance (open sores, etc) and behavior. I am a retire peace officer and trained in this stuff. We passed porta potties that had pit bulls tied to the doors. Not sure whose dogs, but I guarantee there was no line at those bathrooms. As we left the area we were taunted by two men in a car. The adult volunteer directed us across the street and apologized for the men. Later, she approached us after the race and related that they as volunteers were poorly organized and at one point in their training, were yelled at. She said, "report everything you've experienced, because it needs to be known."

At the finish, we walked to the "BBQ" and were offered grilled hot dogs with mustard or ketchup. Thats it. We also were offered a beer at the Beer area. No one hung around. The music, was nondescript. People simply left. The sun set.

Perhaps it is a neighborhood race, BUT it should be a safe race no matter what! I dont know where else to post this so that people will know about this. Im not sure if the organizers welcome feedback in order to make some changes or not. In any case I hope people think twice about this race, especially if they are older or vulnerable like children ( and there were a few).

Think twice. FInd a better race in a better, safer location.