Portlandathon Is This Weekend And Union Gospel Mission Benefits

PORTLAND, OR – When runners fill the streets of Portland on Sunday for a marathon and other races, there will be one clear winner. Union Gospel Mission says that they have been selected as the Charity of Choice for the events.

The Portlandathon – which takes over for what used to be the Portland Marathon – and other races including a half-marathon, 5-mile run, and 4-mile walk – is being run this Sunday beginning at 7 a.m. with other races starting later.

The reborn races are being organized by Paula and Dave Harkin of Portland Running Company and Runwithpaula Events. Get all the latest information on what's happening in your community by signing up for Patch's newsletters and breaking news alerts.

In 2016, the Harkins organized a running club at Union Gospel.

Working with the LifeChange program there, they meet every Monday with a group that ranges from 10 people to a couple of dozen and run about four miles.

"We spend time together listening and talking about life and the recovery work they are doing and we become friends and sometimes it feels like family," Paula says.

"Monday's have become my favorite day."

About 20 people from the group have registered for one of the races on Sunday.

Union Gospel Mission will host a booth from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the race expo and packet pickup at the Hilton Downtown Portland, 921 SW Sixth Ave.

As the Charity of Choice, the mission will have donation envelopes in registration packets, and runners are invited to donate at registration.

Photo via Union Gospel Mission.