Heavy Athletics and Running Events
Unfortunately, we are unable to hold an Athletics Competition this year. We will still be holding the Kilted Mile and Kids Fun Run.
Kilted Mile
Join the fun and the challenge of running a mile in a kilt. This competitive event has been a part of the Portland Highland Games for several decades and it’s a crowd favorite.
Kilted Mile Details
- Race is around the Mt Hood Community College Track
- Runners must be registered in advance to compete. The event registration is still being planned. Check back for details.
- Runners today are required to wear their Highland kilts for the entire race
Why the Kilted Mile?
The Kilted Mile Race has a tradition dating to the reign of King Malcolm III. He decreed that a foot race be held, beginning at the current site of Braemar Castle, and finishing at the top of grim and forbidding Creag Choinnich.
According to tradition, young MacGregor was late starting the race, but sped like a deer and climbed the crag without a stumble. As he overtook the leaders, his elder brother tried to hold him back by grabbing his kilt. Knowing his brother’s strength, and being himself uninhibited, he slipped off his kilt, and so gained the victory.
A Long Tradition at the Portland Highland Games
The Kilted Mile has been an event at the Portland Highland Games since 1991. This year will mark the 25th Kilted Mile race. The fastest overall runner is awarded The Memorial Sword. The top runners from each category also receive awards. All runners receive a commemorative t-shirt.
Runners today are required to wear their Highland kilts for the entire race.
Youth Run
A Fun Run for Kids 13 and Under
If your wee-highlander is inspired by the Kilted Mile, we have a fun run for any child ages 2 – 13 right in front of the grandstands on the main field.
No pre-registration is necessary, just show up at the Kilted Mile Tent on the main field between 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to sign up and get your number.
The run will commence at 1:30 p.m. and every child will receive a prize.
Age groups:
- Children age 2 – 4
- Children ages 5-7
- Children ages 8-10
- Children ages 11-13
Groups may be altered based on the number of participants.
