Nordic Walking World Championships at Portland Marathon 2006

The Portland Marathon will host the Nordic Walking World Championships as part of the Oct. 1, 2006 Portland Marathon, Oregon. In 2005, the Portland Marathon added Nordic Walking to its 10K Mayor's Walk. For 2006, they are inviting nordic walkers from around the world to start together and be chip-timed on the full marathon 26.2 mile route.

What is Nordic Walking?

Nordic walking is a walking technique using fitness walking poles. The poles relieve lower body strain and tone the shoulders, arms, and back. Nordic walking expends more calories per mile than walking without poles, yet walkers feel the same or less exertion. The sport is explosively popular in Europe, with trails and holiday resorts being designed specifically for nordic walking.
Nordic Walking Step by Step
Top Picks for Nordic Walking Poles

Portland Marathon Welcomes Nordic Walkers

The Portland Marathon is widely recognized as one of the most walker-friendly run/walk marathons in the world. Les Smith has been a leader in inviting walkers to his event, pioneering a walking category in 1989 and treating walkers with the same dignity as the runners. Now he is extending this foresight to a new growth area - nordic walking. "Nordic Walking is experiencing the most growth as a fitness activity for numerous reasons, the competitive aspect is a natural evolution of this increased awareness," says Smith in a press release.
Portland Marathon Mile by Mile

Fittrek Provides Help

Fittrek, a U.S. based Nordic Walking pole manufacturer, will assist in recruiting participants and helping them have a fun and safe experience. The Portland Marathon and Fittrek offer training clinics, workshops, and online resources to help walkers train for the marathon.

Portland Marathon
Fittrek