The Portland Winter Run
The runners huddle inside the Portland High School waiting for the right time to emerge into the frigid air. This morning in January is special to the runners of Portland and the directors worked hard to make everything go smoothly.
The runners go toward the start line of the Portland Winter Run putting on their race faces. They think of the challenge ahead and are satisfied knowing they are doing something others won't do. The race starts and they go speeding by, some in gloves, hats and running tights.
Passing by the high school cross country runners that are guiding them along the course and cheering gives them a little extra energy to make the 3.1 miles.
As the race concludes, the winners determined, everyone wears a smile of accomplishment. All of them retreat to the warmth for soup, bagels, fruit and social time. The race is always a success. Hope to see you there! Erin Holdren
What are runners saying about the Portland Winter Run?
Once again, a great race! Thanks again for arranging it. HK
Thanks for the great race; I liked the drinking glass in the goody bag. Very classy. The chili was extra special this year. How do I get the recipe?! DB
Congratulations again on another excellent race. You've established a top rate race and your numbers are going up as a result. I really like the glass - it was a welcome change from t-shirts. Having the photographer there was also nice, the photos on the Playmakers site were excellent. JM
Nice race! Everything was done very professionally and with the runner in mind. It was enjoyable. Even the temps were not that bad and the roads were clear. I will certainly make every attempt at doing it again in 2006. Again, great race, great food, great awards, great job! BW
Thanks again for a very enjoyable race. Once again the food and overall atmosphere were the highlights of my race season. The pictures were a great addition! Improvement-wise, the only thing I can suggest is to reduce the amount of time between the end of the race and the awards, even though that ends up being a nice to visit and eat more food. (We will next year, promise) Once again, thanks for an awesome race and I hope this event continues for a long time. See you at the races. PB
Hi Great race! Rebecca is very happy with her performance. It was a great race in difficult running conditions. It was really cool that the coach from Portland was running close behind her, came up to her after the race and congratulated her and told her how well she had done, especially kicking in at the end. I think running is the BEST sport in the world. Where else do you see people so supportive of one another and people from all ages participating together? Thanks again for all your hard work! SM
It was a great race. Although rough for me since I had just done a marathon last week. Have a great day. VP
I just wanted to let you know that the [Portland Winter Run] has been endorsed by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness. We are proud to partner with you in all our endeavors to promote physical activity among Michiganians. TF
I ran my first 5k (ever) in Portland, Michigan's Winter Run. The temperature was 8 degrees (F) and the wind speed was 10 mph, if you were not moving.
I took my 14 year old daughter with me as a chaperone. She is the reason I started running. She joined the High School Cross Country team and wanted somebody to run with.
Some people need help to stay out of bars. I needed a helper to keep me out of McDonald's, Quality Dairy, Krispy Kreme; any warm place with food. It is hard to be motivated when facing a wind chill of -6F.
I followed the advice I found in Running 101 by Henderson. Start near the back. It is energizing to pass people. It sucks the energy out of you to be passed by hundreds of people. Besides, you become a hazard to yourself and others when you start way farther forward than your abilities can support.
The course was designed by a man named MC Escher and was uphill all the way. I hit the first distance marker and thought I was going to die... I did not think I could handle another 4km.
Things got better. One of the old coots I was running with calmed me down by telling me the distance markers are in MILES
The post race feast had dancing music, ribs, vegetarian chili, fruit, donuts, cinnimon bread, liquids. There was great camaraderie. JH
Nice Race! I'll be back. RF
I came as a group of 4 from Team Playmakers---None of us had done this event before---We all our looking forward to next year already. D
Thanks for your work.
Nice to have awards in auditorium.
I like the extra goodies in race bag. JEB
I just signed up for the Portland 5K on January 14th. My birthday is the same day as the race. I'll be the big 3-0 that day! Thought I would celebrate by running my butt off in the freezing cold. PG
What a wonderful race! Wonderful organization and accurate distancing. The chili was great! What a deal for me (a student) to pay $10 and get lunch, too! Keep up the great work! - Next time I visit Michigan I will certainly look up the Portland Winter Run, and other fun runs put on by your running club!! LB (WI)
My first race + very pleased with everything. Well organized. Thank you to everyone involved. LW
Had fun! TR
