Race Preview: 2015 Eugene Marathon

With less than 30 days to go as I type this, I assume that most who plan on running the 2015 Eugene Marathon have already registered and put in months of training. Truly preparing for a run of this distance takes no small measure of dedication and single-mindedness. When the gun goes off on May 10th, there is no telling what it will feel like 26.2 miles later. There are few better places to undertake this challenge than Tracktown USA.

If you have not registered yet, now is definitely the time to do so. The fee is currently $105, and considering my previous experience with the half at the event, it is totally worth it. This is a professional and well done race, I would find it hard to imagine it lacking in any way.

Regardless of how fast you are, you are going to be out there for a while, so an average forecast sheet like this is all kinds of good news. To expect mild and generally dry conditions bodes well for the run. It is just one less thing to worry about on the great big list of things you find yourself worrying about on marathon day. It seems every regular pre-race concern is at least 26.2 times bigger at this distance. Definitely makes it a little more stressful than the average race and horrible weather could make it quite the ordeal

Race day is a Sunday and the gun goes off at 7 am. While it finishes on the track at Hayward Field, the start is on the road adjacent to it. The massive arch and beginning straight away help ease the congestion issues at this large race. There is a 7 hour course limit, they close it at 2 pm, and participants must be at least 16 on race day to enter.

The course is mostly flat, with a hill at about mile 8 that I remember from doing the half in previous years. The first 9 or so miles are part of the half marathon course as well, winding through Eugene in a variety of settings. There are plenty of bicyclists that take advantage of the closed roads and cruise next to the runners offering encouragement or chatting. Crowd support is among the best I have experienced, with numerous people spaced out along the course with plentiful cowbells and generally exuberant cheering. After the half/full split, the longer course spends some time on bike paths and passing through numerous parks next to the river. Water stations are located at approximately every two miles, and there are two locations to pick up Clif Shot Energy Gel and three to get bananas.

While not applicable to most people, I find the elite athlete information thrilling. They offer cash prizes to the top three of each gender, and to those that make the Olympic standard because the course is USATF certified. It really makes it fun to see who might show up at the front to chase down those numbers. To experience an Olympic level athlete pull away drastically while you are going at what is a great pace for you is both humbling and inspiring. I had the luck to experience that at the Fueled by Fine Wine Half a few years ago when Sage Canaday showed up.

To reduce congestion, there are several shuttle locations to choose from that will get you to the start area. You can find all the details on the race day info page. There will also be a gear check option which is handy if it is a bit chilly before the start. In a bit of clever planning, the gear check bags are handed out at the expo, to be used for storing goodies purchased or given there as well.

Post race amenities include instant results, free massages, beer, pancakes, and other recovery food. They definitely know how to take care of you after what will be a grueling morning on May 10th. The 7 am start means that even on an abnormally warm day, the heat should not be an issue. Regardless of weather, there will likely be hordes of spectators cheering everyone on, and since the finish line is streamed live, your loved ones can watch the end even if they can not attend. The unique bonus of being on the big screen at Hayward Field as you cross the finish line is just icing on the cake.

We hope to see you out there next month!