This was my first visit to Portland and the marathon was a very good experience. After running in some very large marathons it was nice to be in a smaller field of runners (approx 10,000). The expo was smaller than I expected, but had a good variety of vendors. The course had beautiful scenery with the exception of one area that received a "double negative" in my book: there was a very monotonous out-and-back section beginning at mile 5, turnaround at mile 9.5 and then finally some new territory at mile 11. That entire section of the course had very few spectators and very little to look at, except other runners heading in the opposite direction. Other than that I was pleased with the course. At the finish line I was AMAZED at the goodies given away to finishers! Two tech shirts (1 long sleeved, 1 short sleeved), a commemorative coin, a keepsake pin, finisher's medal, a rose, and plenty of food & beverages. At a time when the economy was still struggling it was very nice to receive all of these things! This is also an event that takes pride in being "green". Well done, Portland.