Now that I am a veteran marathoner I can become a critic. Portland Marathon had a few problems not shared by my previous two. Start block was too congested. It took almost 2 minutes to make the 50 yards to the start. The downtown start is too congested for the size of the field. It takes several miles to get to pace. A large block of runners behind me was blocked by a passing train. That would be a real drag if you were minutes off of your time goal. The finish was great though and the support, aid, and food quite good. Lots of music on the course and good spectators. That hill at the St. John's bridge in Mile 17 is a bitch.