Every night the encampment of wackos — some dressed as unicorns or chickens — blast loud music, engage in anti-government chants over loudspeakers and megaphones, and when they violently clash with law enforcement officers, it reverberates around the neighborhood.

About 9,000 people participated in the Portland Marathon in 2024 and that means many runners will again be hitting the road Sunday morning, Oct. 5. Organizers and city officials aim for safety as they close many areas to vehicles along the route of this year’s Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health.