Eugene Marathon
The Eugene Marathon begins at Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus, a fitting start for a race centered in one of America’s strongest running communities. Established in 2007, it features a full marathon, half marathon, 5K, and a children's run. The marathon course is a certified 26.2 miles, allowing runners to qualify for the Boston Marathon or the United States Olympic Trials, with official recognition for record-setting times. Live music is performed along the marathon and half-marathon paths and at the finish line, contributing to the event's local street festival atmosphere rather than a subdued time trial. The course winds through Eugene’s streets and bike paths beside the Willamette River, passing through downtown, the University of Oregon vicinity, Amazon Park, the outskirts of the South Hills, River Road, Delta Ponds, Alton Baker Park, and Springfield before concluding at Autzen Stadium. Participants will cross the Willamette River and the Owosso Drive footbridge. Portions of the route trace roads and trails associated with notable Oregon runners like Steve Prefontaine, Alberto Salazar, Bill McChesney, and Mary Decker Slaney. The race's motto, “Running in the Footsteps of Legends,” reflects Eugene’s history of hosting major track events and Olympic Marathon Trials; the first race attracted close to 5,000 participants along with approximately thirty elite athletes aiming for Trials standards.
