FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eileen Park, (503) 823-6541
Eileen.park@portlandoregon.gov
Mayor Wheeler Announces Brooksee as New Marathon Producer
We are proud to announce that Brooksee will be the new organizer for a marathon in Portland.
“My vision for a marathon is one that is a world-class event worthy of a host city that’s known for running – but also for a marathon that highlights the entire community and increases opportunities for community participation and equal economic prosperity,” says Mayor Ted Wheeler. “I believe in Brooksee’s vision for community and desire to highlight the best Portland has to offer, and I could not be more excited to award them the marathon.”
Brooksee is well-known for producing large-scale running events around the country. Their goal is to attract 20,000 runners by 2023 and 35,000 runners by 2030. They want to create an event that showcases Portland as a premiere destination that captures both the city’s natural beauty and unique culture. But they also want to create a race that will reinvest in Portland, with a particular emphasis on underserved communities.
“On behalf of my organization, I express our sincere gratitude to the City of Portland for entrusting us with the reins of this historic event. We look forward to working with elected officials, city staff, community organizations, and Portland's residents to create the most iconic and unique race in the world,” says Brooksee CEO Jared Rohatinsky. “We pledge the entirety of our resources to the ultimate goal of serving Portland. We warmly invite the Portland community to unite with us in the creation of this event. We have an open-door policy and will gladly accept and implement suggestions from all stakeholders.”
Brooksee plans to create a Marathon Community Council to ensure the event meets the needs and interests of the community. They’re already working with local partners like Travel Portland and local hotels. A key component of Brooksee’s vision is a running route that includes as many of Portland’s unique neighborhoods as possible. Additionally, Paula Harkin, who ran Portland’s 2018 Marathon, will join Brooksee’s staff as the race’s Local Liaison and Director of Community Outreach.
Brooksee was the highest-scoring respondent in the City’s original RFP, but made their proposal even stronger for the re-issued RFP because of this strong vision.
“We applaud the City for revisiting the RFP to emphasize the importance of equity, inclusion, and a bolder vision for what the event should accomplish in Portland. We view the edits and additions in the new RFP as perfect complements to our vision and strategy and feel that they do justice to the potential of this event. Portland deserves an event that delivers these additional components.”
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