Participants run in the footsteps of legends like Steve Prefontaine, Raevyn Rogers, and Ashton Eaton as they experience 26.2 magical miles of Track Town USA.
The course starts outside Hayward Field and finishes on the track inside Hayward Field.
The Eugene Marathon was the 29th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 28th largest in 2022.
This year 26.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 22.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Eugene Marathon the 37th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 26th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.93 ranks it as the 211th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 6th fastest course in Oregon.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Eugene Marathon a PR Score of 98.93. This PR Score ranks it as the 155th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 5th fastest in Oregon.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Eugene Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 538 feet (164m) Min Elevation: 395 feet (120m)
Logistics were super easy. Arrived <30 mins before race start and had zero rush getting in place (towards front of first corral), no waiting, no lines, no problems. Peaceful start.
Anand's review of 2023 Eugene Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Everything about this marathon is simple and awesome. I could easily get dropped off by a friend at the same place shuttles ended up.. and walk a few steps to the gear check, stadium, start line etc.
Course support is great and course scenery is beautiful. Few minor things - nuun cups were filled to 1/5th of the cup.. barely got few drops in.. gels could be handed over instead of letting runners pick it from table
Race Tips
Even pacing just works.. Very short rolling hills ensures even pacing just works.. its a flat course.
Stayed at Express Inn and Suites.. they allowed us a generous 2pm late checkout so we could finish, have a shower, rest for a while.. Had microwave and refrigerator as well.. Fantastic hotel.
Kimberly's review of 2023 Eugene Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Highlights: very well organized, ideal weather conditions, great aid stations / course support, and FINISHING ON THE TRACK AT HAYWARD FIELD!
Other positives: cool medals, race shirt is pretty good, plenty of portable toilets (and also flushable ones on the concourse of Hayward Field!), great Expo for this size of event, and the course is a really nice tour of Eugene (this is my hometown, so the course was also very familiar, but I would rate it high compared with the other Marathons I’ve run).
Downsides: no t-shirt exchange option at the Expo or post-race, and the first few miles are pretty crowded now that the event is growing, which is overall a great thing!
Race Tips
Most of the hills are in the first 9 miles of the course, so if you pace it well and save energy, that definitely will pay off in the last 2/3 of the race. Eugene is beautiful this time of year, so you will enjoy lots of greenery and blossoms! The Full course splits from the half at mile 11, and the last 15 miles of the course has less support, but enough runners to keep it interesting - and especially if you’re from out of town, it is really beautiful running!
* Half Marathon: also a great race, but I would definitely say it is more of a “rolling hills” course as it doesn’t end up feeling too flat. Also an awesome event though, and there is more fan support during the Half.
Typically really ideal weather: 2023 was overcast with a light mist off/on the first couple hours, then sun just barely starting to break out in the later miles, but still cool, at 55 F.
Recommend arriving to the start area by at least 6:00 for the 7:00 start, earlier if you need much of a warm-up.
SB's review of 2023 Eugene Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
I came across the country for this run. A little disappointed that despite its lovely marketing (all things Eugene), it seems to be a local race. The course is great, weather cooperative, the volunteers were helpful. Very few close places to stay ($600 per night Fairfield Inn. Looking at you). The expo was small with little merchandise (trucker hat and visor). This marathon could use a boost on volunteers. Water tables were over-run trying to keep up and a couple stations were out of hydration completely.
Race Tips
Be prepared to make up time after mile 1. It was crowded winding along local roads for a while. There are a couple hills, but nothing to worry about and back half is flat. Even pacing would work just fine. Ending at field was spectacular. The course was almost completely closed to vehicles which is a HUGE bonus and felt very guided and safe.
Book your hotel early and be prepared for sticker shock. Parking was hard to come by at packet pickup, so give yourself some time and patience. Start was well organized and timely, plenty of porta potties (don’t say that often!)
Mike M's review of 2023 Eugene Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This was a very fun and well organized race. The energy of the participants and crowd was great, and I loved the course. Most of the hills are small, with the exception being one large hill around mile 9.
Traffic control was great, and I felt very safe over the entire course. The aid stations were well run, and finishing on the track at Hayward field was amazing.
I live in Portland, and own a travel trailer, so I made this into a camping trip, which was thoroughly enjoyable. I will definitely be returning next year.
Race Tips
Negative splitting might be a good strategy, as most of the elevation gain is in the first half.
