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 Eugene area regularly hosts track and field championship events, which in the past have included several National Collegiate Athletic Association track championships and US Olympic Marathon Trials in 1972, 1976 and 1980. In 2021, Eugene will be the first city in the United States to host the International Association of Athletics Federation's 2021 World Championships in Athletics, which is billed as the world's largest sporting event in 2021.
The 2020 edition of the race was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with registrants having the option of transferring their registration to 2021 or 2022 for free. The 2021 race was held virtually due to the pandemic.
Course
The Eugene Marathon has been certified by USA Track and Field, the sport's governing body in the United States, at .
The course is laid out primarily on city streets and bike paths along the Willamette River, following many of the roads and trails used by Oregon's significant runners, such as Steve Prefontaine, Alberto Salazar, Bill McChesney and Mary Decker Slaney.
The Eugene Marathon begins in front of Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. 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. 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.
Winners
Course record Ed. Date Male Time Female Time Refs. 19th2026Jackson Siddall2:15:03Amanda Martin2:34:2418th2025Bradley Hodkinson2:19:43Anna Kenig-Ziesler2:36:5317th2024Matthew Hernandez2:22:30Kate Landau2:40:5216th2023Clint McKelvey2:16:34Sara Lopez2:33:4815th2022Tyler Morse2:20:29Carrie Dimoff2:43:5114th2021Brian Reid2:24:04Chelsea Warren2:48:40 2020 cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic 13th 2019 Kyle King 2:18:04 Jennifer Bigham 2:41:37 12th2018Teklu Deneke2:22:12Kate Landau2:35:4411th2017Steve DeKoker2:29:46Hiruni Wijayaratne2:43:3110th2016Carlos Trujillo2:18:54Camelia Mayfield2:47:459th2015Craig Leon2:21:33Catherine Watkins 2:42:358th2014Jacob Chemtai2:16:07Degefa Biruktayit Eshetu2:33:157th2013David Laney2:22:34Jaymee Marty2:48:506th2012Michael Wisniewski2:20:41Allison Howard2:53:075th2011Justin Ricks2:22:05Katie Blackett2:44:144th2010Craig Leon2:23:15Midori Sperandeo2:44:213rd2009Matt Hooley2:18:38Emily Enstice2:58:362nd2008Matthew Norminton2:22:04Erin Kaspar2:52:52 1st 2007 James Nielsen2:21:01 Meredith Lambert2:44:39
Leadership
Founder/Principal: Richard Maher and Andy Heily Executive Race Director: Courtney Heily Race Director: Ian Dobson Director of Event Operations: Becky Radliff Marketing and Content Coordinator: Jon Marx
References
External links EugeneMarathon.com - Official website MarathonGuide.com - 'Eugene Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K, Kids Run - Eugene, OR USA' Course Map