Portland Marathon Announces Hyundai as New Official Vehicle

June 8, 2026

Charitable giving and lead vehicle program during race weekend will bring attention to the partners’ shared desire to positively impact the local community

PORTLAND, Ore. (June 8, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/– After a notable 2025 event, the 54th annual Portland Marathon is returning on Oct. 4 with an abundance of new race features, including a new sponsorship from Hyundai, which will be featured as the Official Vehicle of the Portland Marathon. Spotlighting Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its more than 855 U.S. dealers, the Finish Line Festival will host a special check presentation by Hyundai representatives that will reveal a large donation to a local children’s hospital. As part of the sponsorship, Hyundai will also be providing the lead vehicle for all three race distances offered, including the marathon, half marathon and 10K. Those interested in checking out Hyundai vehicles will have the opportunity at the expo and finish line, where they will be displayed.

“Bringing on big names like Hyundai introduces great elements not only for our event, but also for the local community,” said Aubrey Curl, Director of Partnerships at Brooksee, producer of the Portland Marathon. “By centering this sponsorship around Hyundai Hope on Wheels, we are able to benefit a local children’s hospital, which taps into our mission to benefit organizations that serve youth.”

“We’re excited to be part of the Portland community through our sponsorship of the Portland Marathon,” said Gary Koval, representing the Mountain States Region for Hyundai Motor America. “For 28 years, our nonprofit, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, has invested more than $300 million in pediatric cancer research, making it one of the nation’s leading funders. In Portland, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has funded close to $3 million alone, so we’re doing everything we can to help cure childhood cancer once and for all.”

The Portland Marathon had nearly 12,000 runners from around the nation and world register for its 2025 event, hosting the largest field the event had seen in nearly a decade. Event organizers are expecting an even larger turnout for the 2026 event, encouraging those interested in participating in the oldest continuously running marathon in Oregon to register early. Participants can register on the event website, choosing from three distances: the marathon, half marathon and 10K. The event also offers a 1-mile out-and-back Kids Run open to kids of all ages.

For more information about the Portland Marathon, visit www.portlandmarathon.com and follow the event on Facebook, Instagram and X.

ABOUT THE PORTLAND MARATHON AND BROOKSEE

The Portland Marathon was established in 1972 and has since grown into one of the state’s largest marathon events, hosting up to 10,000 participants. The event includes four distances: a marathon, half marathon, 10K and the 1-Mile Kids Run, which all offer their own scenic tours of the Portland area. The Portland Marathon is produced by Brooksee, an endurance event production and services company committed to elevating the event experience for endurance athletes. Brooksee was founded in 2012 and was created in the vision of an all-in-one event production powerhouse where technological innovation and endurance events collide. Brooksee produces a portfolio of premier road races, including the Portland Marathon, the Phoenix Marathon, the Las Vegas Marathon, the Mesa Marathon and the REVEL Race Series. For more information, visit www.brooksee.com.

ABOUT HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS
Hyundai Hope on Wheels® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing critical research aimed at improving treatments and saving lives. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is one of the largest nonprofit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country. Primary funding for Hyundai Hope on Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 855 U.S. dealers. In 2026, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will reach a lifetime donation total of $303 million in support of more than 1,500 childhood cancer research grants to over 175 hospitals and research institutions.

ABOUT HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.