Race organizers have not been able to contact the state, which is responsible for the parkway, but has to deal with numerous other earthquake-related problems. I can see where it is a very low priority to them. We are taking a very optimistic view that we will be up and running and able to go as usual. This is a long-term problem and the area will be closed for an extended period of time. If the course needs to be changed, the marathon group is looking at 100 to 150 hours of work to remap the course and get changes certified by the U.S. Track and Field Association.
Certification can be a long process and the race is less than two and one-half months away.
The Capital City Marathon Training Group, which has been meeting since January, also uses Deschutes Parkway for some of its workouts. It is easy for us to get around that for our training. Mike Burgess is the sports editor for The Olympian. He can be reached at 754-5432.