Eugene 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 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.[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 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 had previously begun in front of Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus, but as of 2019 Hayward Field is under construction in preparation for the IAAF's 2021 World Championships in Athletics. The marathon currently begins instead at Autzen Stadium. 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.
16th 2023 Clint McKelvey 2:16:34 Sara Lopez 2:33:48 [2]
15th 2022 Tyler Morse 2:20:29 Carrie Dimoff 2:43:51 [3]
14th 2021 Brian Reid 2:24:04 Chelsea Warren 2:48:40 [4]
2020 cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic [1]
13th 2019 Kyle King 2:18:04 Jennifer Bigham 2:41:37 [5]
12th 2018 Teklu Deneke 2:22:12 Kate Landau 2:35:44 [6]
11th 2017 Steve DeKoker 2:29:46 Hiruni Wijayaratne 2:43:31 [7]
10th 2016 Carlos Trujillo 2:18:54 Camelia Mayfield 2:47:45 [8]
9th 2015 Craig Leon 2:21:33 Catherine Watkins 2:42:35 [9]
8th 2014 Jacob Chemtai 2:16:07 Degefa Biruktayit Eshetu 2:33:15 [10]
7th 2013 David Laney 2:22:34 Jaymee Marty 2:48:50 [11]
6th 2012 Michael Wisniewski 2:20:41 Allison Howard 2:53:07 [12]
5th 2011 Justin Ricks 2:22:05 Katie Blackett 2:44:14 [13]
4th 2010 Craig Leon 2:23:15 Midori Sperandeo 2:44:21 [14]
3rd 2009 Matt Hooley 2:18:38 Emily Enstice 2:58:36 [15]
2nd 2008 Matthew Norminton 2:22:04 Erin Kaspar 2:52:52 [16]
1st 2007 James Nielsen 2:21:01 Meredith Lambert 2:44:39 [17][18][19]

Leadership
  • Founder/Principle: Andy Heily
  • Executive Race Director: Courtney Heily
  • Race Director: Ian Dobson
  • Director of Event Operations: Becky Radliff
  • Marketing and Content Coordinator: Jon Marx

References
  1. "Coronavirus (COVID19) Updates • Eugene Marathon". www.eugenemarathon.com. Archived from the original on 2020-03-25.
  2. "Eugene Marathon Results". RunSignUp. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  3. "2022 Eugene Marathon". Raceday. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  4. "2021 Eugene Marathon". Active results. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  5. "HUB - Enmotive race day results and photos - raceday@enmotive".
  6. "2018 Eugene Marathon". Eugene Marathon. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  7. "2017 Eugene Marathon". Eugene Marathon. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  8. "2016 Eugene Marathon". Eugene Marathon. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  9. "2015 Eugene Marathon". Eugene Marathon. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  10. "2014 Eugene Marathon". Eugene Marathon. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  11. "Eugene Marathon 2023". Eugene Marathon. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  12. "2012 Eugene Marathon". Eugene Marathon. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  13. "Eugene Marathon 2011". Online Race Reuslts. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  14. "Eugene Marathon 2010". Online Race Results. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  15. "Eugene Marathon 2009". Online Race Results. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  16. "Eugene Marathon 2008". Online Race Results. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  17. "Eugene Marathon 2007 - Marathon - Official Race Results at Online Race Results".
  18. "Interview with Beer Mile World Record Holder". 2 May 2014.
  19. "Meredith Lambert | Delaware Track and Field Hall of Fame". 15 May 2017.
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