PORTLAND, Oregon — What was supposed to be a fun experience participating in Portland's Shamrock Run over the weekend turned into a scary situation for one woman. Faith Londo said she was nearly hit by a driver on the racecourse.
Londo was running on the 15K course on Sunday and had her headphones on to listen to music. She said she heard a car engine revving nearby and thought it was odd, since the course was closed to traffic, but she didn't think too much of it.
"I wasn't paying attention until I heard a commotion behind me. One of the spectators was actually banging on the door of the car that was maybe six inches away from me," Londo said.
She said she jumped onto the shoulder of the road, and the car took off.
“I didn’t really have time to think. I just kind of acted, and then, I was just angry afterwards," she said.
Londo, who lives in Florida, flew to Oregon to take part in the Shamrock Run with her virtual running club. She and her club meet at races in person around the country.
Londo said she chose the Shamrock Run because the event landed near her birthday, and she had never visited Portland before.
"I’m just really glad that nobody was actually injured," Londo said.
Londo encouraged runners to be aware their surroundings, even if they're on a closed course during a race.
"Always be conscious of your surroundings, even on a closed course. Accidents happen. We’ve seen it before with other races, unfortunately," she said. "If you hear something, look. Don’t just assume it’s not what you think you heard."
Police arrested 62-year-old Brian Rhone in the Burlingame Fred Meyer parking lot. He is accused of driving through a barricade at Southwest Barbur Boulevard and South Hamilton Street. Officers found an open alcohol in the car, Portland police said.
Rhone was charged with DUII, reckless driving and reckless endangerment. He was scheduled to make his first court appearance Tuesday morning, but he didn't show up. Now, there's a warrant for his arrest. His next court date is scheduled for next month.