Oregon Marathons

Thinking about running a marathon in Oregon? Here's a list of marathons in our great state, arranged chronologically.

Eugene Marathon
First Sunday in May
$75 through Oct 1; $85 through Jan 1: $95 through 4/1; $105 through 4/28
Boston Qualifier
Road
The Eugene marathon is quickly growing in popularity, with over 5,000 finishers last spring. Flat and fast, the marathon begins in front of Hayward Field and runs along the river and through parks. The course is also supposed to feature information about famous Oregon runners at every mile marker. It is USATF certified, which means you can qualify for Boston on the course.

Newport Marathon
First Saturday after Memorial Day $50 through Mar 1; $60 through April 1; $75 until full
Limited to 750
Boston Qualifier
Road
The run begins in Newport and heads out into some residential areas before turning back to the bayfront and heading out along Yaquina Bay for an out and back along the water. It is mostly flat. There are aid stations about every two miles, and they even have oyster shooters at miles 11 and 19. The standing record for number of oysters "shot" by one person during the race is 48. I wonder how those go with GU.

Pacific Crest Marathon
Last Saturday in June
$70 through May 31; $80 through June 26; $90 at packet pickup or day of race
Boston Qualifier
Paved bike paths in Sunriver
The report from the 2008 race was that it was hot - very hot! With 95 degree temperatures, this marathon around Sunriver was very challenging for even the toughest runners. The race circles Sunriver twice, which means that there is a fair amount of rolling hills to be handled. The elevation is about 4000 feet, which can also be a factor in performance.

Foot Traffic Flat
Fourth of July Fees to be posted; registration opens Feb 2009
Boston Qualifier
Road
A flat, fast course on Sauvie's Island, the Foot Traffic Marathon is a great race for a PR, unless of course, it's really hot that day! The race starts and finishes at the Pumpkin Patch, circling twice around the island. Hot dogs and strawberry shortcake is available at the finish. Aid stations are available every few miles, but I don't remember them being every two miles when I ran the half-marathon this year.

Crater Lake Marathon
August (probably 2nd weekend)
$85; $105 after July 31 (registration opens Mar 1, 2009)
Limited to 500
Mostly road, 4 miles of cinder at end
Not for the faint of heart, the Crater Lake marathon offers a big challenge at elevation with a killer hill. You have altitude gains and losses of over 1,000 feet over a distance of five miles, but you have the beautiful views of Crater Lake to help you forget the burn in your legs. The elevation of 5,980 to 7,850 will also leave you breathless. If you are ready to put yourself to the test, the Crater Lake Marathon just might be the race to choose.

Haulin Aspen Trail Marathon
August
$55 through July 15; $65 through packet pickup; $75 at packet pickup (if space is available)
Limited to 500
Trail
Starting and finishing in Shevlin Park in Bend, this trail marathon offers over 2,500 feet of elevation gain on the single track trails. Happily, the elevation gain occurs over the first 12 miles, so that returning to the finish is downhill. Nine aid stations are available for the marathon, and Cascade Lakes Brewery offers post-run refreshments. Having run these trails before, I can say that there is some beautiful scenery on the lower part of the run. Tumalo Creek runs through the park, and it offers a great post-race soak for tired legs.

Timberline Marathon
Second Saturday in September
$65 via the web; $70 via mail
Limited to 400
Trail
Beginning at Timberline Lodge, this trail marathon winds its way down the Pacific Crest Trail to finish at Timothy Lake at the Clackamas Ranger Station. Featuring a net elevation loss of nearly 3,000 feet, this marathon takes you out in nature for your 26.2 mile journey. There are only four aid stations along the way, so you would need to carry your own energy gels and hydration.

Portland Marathon
First Sunday in October
$90; $150 day of
Boston Qualifier
Road
The grand-daddy of Oregon marathons, Portland is a well-organized, well-established event. They offer a fantastic free training program, plenty of on-course entertainment, and well stocked aid stations. This is one of the few marathons that openly allow mp3 players on the course, which when you are on your feet for four hours or more can be a big boon to your motivation. This race is growing in popularity, and as of August 21, 2008, only 734 spots were left. As for the course, it winds through downtown Portland, with a gentle hill in the first couple of miles. After snaking through the industrial district, the course heads out Hwy 30 to the St John's bridge, providing a significant hill about mile 16. You travel along the bluff, past UP, and then back down in to Portland to cross the river and finish in the park blocks.