Eugene Marathon

Not a fan. I was expecting so much from this race and it didn’t deliver whatsoever. First of all, the course is not all that «gorgeous». Don’t get me wrong, Eugene is a nice enough place, but after running races in the Redwoods, Monterey and the Columbia River Gorge amongst others, this place isn’t anything special. You’re just running around town, and not all of it is particularly stunning by a long shot. Most of the support is on the half marathon course, which was fun. There’s lots of people cheering you on, there’s plenty of aid tables, but once the course splits off for the marathon, the people really thin out. Not that it was a problem for me personally. One of my biggest gripes was that there was very little aid on the marathon course, and no nutrition/​Gu/​food etc at all until around mile 23. I was told they had run out, which is ridiculous considering this is supposed to be a really popular race, and also in a place where it could have easily been restocked. Another huge negative is most of the last 10 miles of the course is on brutal fresh concrete. Again, many people rave about the scenic riverside area. I found it dull, hot and miserable considering concrete is 10 times harder than asphalt. Awful. Finally, there’s all this hoopla about finishing by «running a lap!» on historic Hayward Field, where you barely run 100 meters. Kind of disappointing. I’d really recommend the half marathon, but I wouldn’t run the full again if you paid me.

«Run in the footsteps of legends!» right in Track Town USA!
The run was in May in 2015. Perfect marathon weather, unseasonably warm for Eugene but it was just right for this California gal.
The course is gorgeous. Taking runners through downtown Eugene towards Springfield along the Willamettte River path. It was mostly flat with some minor inclines along mile 7 and 18, but nothing brutal. There were water stations all along the course. It seemed like every three miles or so. They had two banana stops, which was a lifesaver along the 20s. They did have a GU stop but I forget what mile.
Mile markers were visible on every mile and the course was never super packed. Towards the end of the run the river path was open to everyone — so watch out for that cyclist and the kid on the tricycle.
Ending on Hayward Field was AMAZING. After 26 miles of running and hitting that wall around mile 25 I mustered enough energy to sprint (or what I thought was sprinting) the last half mile toward Hayward Field. I had a smile from ear to ear. An unforgettable experience!
#ontoursince2008

Reviewing my experience from 2013. The race was in April, has since moved to July 2014 and now I hear to May 2015. The expo left a little to be desired, I expected a little more but then again have been spoiled with RNR expos. The course is WONDERFUL. Mainly flat, 2 small inclines but I train in Western WA so those were nothing compared to what I’m use to. Gorgeous scenery and stretches of trail along the Willamette River. You’re running in Track Town USA so the entire vibe is amazing. There are signs «Belive in the Power of the Run» around the city and it’s very energizing. I would definitely run it again in the future. I know a lot of people are irritated with all the date changes. 2015 I’m already booked for Tinkerbell Marathon but maybe in 2016 I’ll go back :) Oh and most importnatly you finish in historic Hayward field, and get a huge medal and pancake feed in runner village. Loved it!

My one and only marathon to run since dealing with some annoying and chronic hip issues. Beautiful scenery along the entire race, great staff that puts on the event and who can complain running a marathon in «Track Town USA.» Pace yourself through a couple inclines and you’re in the clear. Best part is ending the run at historic Hayward Field.

Attended this last weekend to cheer on my brother in his fourth marathon in two years.
This was a great event, well-​organized and a lot of fun to participate in (even as a spectator). For the first time this year, the Marathon ended by doing a partial lap in Hayward Field (of Prefontaine and Olympic trials fame).
There were about 6,400 participants this year between the marathon and half-​marathon (about 36% of those in the marathon and remaining 64% in the half-​marathon).
I had done quite a bit of planning and research ahead of time and was able to drive around and meet my brother as he ran at 12 different locations around the route.
The route is pretty cool. The first 15k or so goes south from the campus and down through the neighborhoods to the south of campus along Hilyard Road and then comes back up north. From the campus, it heads out east over the river and through Springfield. Then it circles back and goes along Centennial west back towards town. It goes past Autzen Stadium and then pretty much tracks along the river for the remainder of the route (west, northwest on the west side of the river and then crossing and south and southeast along the east side of the river).
There were lots of drink stations, banana stations, etc., etc.
We had a blast and my brother posted his P.R. *and* qualified for the Boston Marathon (which he ran in 2008) which was his goal.
Highly recommended.