Summary: The Eugene Marathon, often held in late April each year and held in the small but vibrant town of Eugene, OR, offers runners a tour of Eugene and in past years has finished right on the University of Oregon track for a memorable finish, with the feel of a bigger, well-organized race and yet a small enough field of runners to feel like a very personal experience.
Lessons Learned from Race Reports
- New course for 2019 – keep that in mind when reading race reports and looking at Strava routes
- After you split up with the half marathoners, around mile 12, the crowd dwindles, which is a pro for some, a con for others, so be prepared either way
- Likely that it will get fairly warm if it’s a clear, spring day
- Lots of sun in a lot of the race pictures, so be ready for sun exposure for a lot of the miles
- Bridges in the race can seem like quite difficult uphills, especially later in the race
- If you’re used to hills, the hills won’t seem big, but if you’re expecting a completely flat course, it will seem hilly
- Very well-organized race
- Not tons of spectators out on the course, so be ready for some quiet miles, especially after mile 12, which again, is a pro for some, con for others
- Miles along the bike path on the river can be really pretty, but also can last forever if you’re struggling, and because you can see others on the other side of the river, ahead of you. Have a strong mental game for the second half given that.
- Last water is at mile 24 – keep that in mind if you drink a lot in the final miles
Course
Type: 1 loop with 2 out and backs, passing close to Autzen Stadium a couple of times
Start/Finish Info: Starts/Finishes at Autzen Stadium
Hills: Minimal; high point of the course is just after mile 10 (511’) and low point is just before mile 20 (394’)
Aid stations
Locations of water and Gatorade stations: 16 total, every 1.5-2 miles, last aid at mile 24
Locations of electrolyte stations: Not noted; Previous year had gels at miles 9 and 19.5; Bananas at miles 7.5, 13, and 23
Electrolyte offered: Not noted; Previous year had Clif Shot Energy Gel and Lemon Lime Gatorade
Spectator access
Access Locations: Lots of locations and you can stay near Autzen Stadium or go to parks, specifically Alton Baker, Amazon, and Skinner Butte. More info here.
Boston qualifier?
Yes
Race reports

Eugene Marathon Race Report – Leah Missik
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Eugene Marathon Race Report – Chanelle Lansley
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Eugene Marathon Race Report – Stephanie G
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Eugene Marathon Race Report – Austin M
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Eugene Marathon Race Report – Julie Urbanski
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Strava links
https://www.strava.com/activities/1541717986
Race Website
https://www.eugenemarathon.com/
Need a checklist to prepare for your first race? We’ve got you covered.