Starting line at the 2011 marathonFinish line at the 2011 marathon
The Eugene Marathon, is a marathon established in 2007, which takes place in Eugene, Oregon. The main event is accompanied by a half marathon, 5K and kids run. The marathon is certified by the USATF, and is a qualifying event for both the Boston Marathon and the United States Olympic Trials. The event features live music performed along the marathon and half-marathon routes, and at the finish as well.
The tagline for the event is "Running in the Footsteps of Legends" in honor of the Eugene area's history in the sport, as well as the University of Oregon's tradition of producing great runners.
History
The marathon, established in 2007, was the first major marathon to be held in Eugene since 1984, when the last Nike OTC Marathon was staged. Nearly 5000 entrants participated in the inaugural 2007 marathon events, which featured about thirty elite athletes, many of whom were shooting for qualifying marks for the US Olympic Trials, which were held in New York City in November.
The 2020 edition of the race was cancelled due to the coronaviruspandemic, with registrants having the option of transferring their registration to 2021 or 2022 for free.[1]
Course
The Eugene Marathon has been certified by USA Track and Field, the sport's governing body in the United States, at 26.2-mile (42.2 km).
The Eugene Marathon begins in front of Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus.[2] Hayward Field was under construction in preparation for the IAAF's 2021 World Championships in Athletics, so the Eugene Marathon began instead at Autzen Stadium between 2019 and 2021.[3] Runners cross the Willamette River and go through downtown and the campus area, then down past South Eugene High School and through Amazon Park. They continue into the edge of the South Hills, then turn back north and eventually get on the riverfront trail system. From here they make a loop that travels through the River Road neighborhood and then across the Owosso Drive footbridge to the Delta Ponds area, Alton Baker Park, and eventually east to Springfield before circling back to finish at Autzen Stadium.
The marathon is a Boston Marathon and US Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier event, and its certification allows record breaking performances to qualify as new world records.
Community impact
Proceeds from the event benefit various community causes such as CASA of Lane County, American Cancer Society, the Lane County food bank, Pre's Trail, and others.
