Maybe you’re itching to run a quick 5k or perhaps you want to challenge yourself to a Half Marathon. Maybe you even want to try both in one weekend. If so, you’re in luck because you can find it all in Eugene on the last weekend of March. The 2nd Annual Bring In Spring 5k will take place on Saturday, March 25th and will be followed Sunday, March 26th with the McKenzie River Half Marathon.
The 5k course is entirely inside Armitage Park and is a hybrid of roads and trails. The unique 2-loop course will have the same finish line location as the Sunday Half Marathon.
Pick up where you left off from the 5k on Saturday by running the gorgeous half marathon on Sunday. This course is a beautiful one with scenic views of the McKenzie River. The first 5 miles and the last 2 miles are relatively flat with the middle 6 miles described as “gently rolling.” The course runs through the Hayden Bridge neighborhood before heading out along Old Mohawk Road and McKenizie View Drive. The race ends in Armitage Park.
Please note that traffic will NOT be closed on race day, so you will need to stay on the right side of the road until you reach Marcola Road, where you will then be directed to the left side for the remainder of the run. There is a time limit of 3.5 hours for the half marathon and there are no dogs allowed on the course due to narrow shoulders of the roads and traffic.
There will be 5 aid stations along the half marathon course stocked with water, GU Brew Electrolyte Beverage and GU Energy Gel. All half marathoners will receive a finisher medallion and the top 3 in each age division will receive a Hop Valley/Lever 32 Racing pint glass. The top 3 in each age division will receive awards for both races and all participants could win some awesome random prize drawings including a complimentary overnight stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Springfield, something from Hop Valley, or Level 32 Racing Gear.
If you enjoy camping, the weekend festivities will offer you the chance for this as well. Armitage Park will have 20 of the 32 camp sites set aside for this event. Make a whole weekend of it! This event is limited to the first 500 registrants, so register today!
Details:
What: Bring in Spring 5k and McKenzie River Half Marathon
When: Saturday, March 25 for 5k, Sunday, March 26 for Half Marathon. 9:00AM Start for both races
Where: 5k starts at Armitage Park, Picnic Shelter J. Half Marathon starts at Emerald Dance Center, 2095 Yolanda Ave in Springfield. Please note there is limited parking and no shuttle back to the start for the half marathon. Get more shuttle info on the race website.
Register: Online here or get the printable copy here. You can also register in person at the Eugene Running Company (116 Oakway Center) through March 24 at 4:00PM, at packet pickup on Saturday March 25 from 12:00PM to 4:00PM, or on race day from 7:00AM to 8:30AM at the starting line. Online registration for the 5k will close at 12:00AM on March 24 and at 12:00AM on March 25 for the Half Marathon.
Registration Cost: 5k – $25 for adults (18-59) and $20 for Seniors & Youth (60+ or 17 & under.) $35 on race day. Half Marathon – $65 through March 24. Seniors & Youth $5 off. Tech shirts available for $12, limited availability on race day.
