Eugene is a college town and a running city. From the University of Oregon campus to the park trails to the unique neighborhood side streets, it is just a great place to go for a run. And even better place to go for a race.
The Eugene Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and Duck Dash are all taking place in one major running weekend April 27 and 28. With races starting and ending at Hayward Field, participants will get a taste of the Duck spirit all around them. And since races are organized throughout the weekend, folks can line up for more than one start line (and earn more than one medal).
The weekend kicks off with the 5K race on 8:30am on Saturday. Participants are encouraged to chase down Flap Jack and Flap Jill to win a year’s supply of Krusteaz buttermilk pancake mix. Only a dozen runners usually beat him each year, with everyone else still getting to enjoy pancakes at the finish line. Plus Krusteaz will donate $1 to Ronald McDonald House Charities and $1 to CASA for every participant who does NOT beat Flap Jack. Check out to the 5K map for more details.
The Duck Dash is a 1K race for kids 2-12 and starts at 9:30am on Saturday. Over 1,500 kids participated in 2023. All participants earn a Nike Running Shirt, DuckDash Finisher Medal, water bottle, and a free pancake breakfast. There are needs-based scholarships available so all kids are included.
On Sunday morning is when the big miles kick in. The marathon and half marathon kick off together at 7am starting at Hayward Field. The two courses stick together for the first 10 miles, which includes multiple Eugene neighborhoods and crossing back through campus.
The groups split at Knickerbocker Footbridge: the half marathoners start heading back toward campus while marathoners will complete a loop in Springfield using several miles of paved park trails. Finishers of both events will complete their final 200m on the Hayward Field track. See more details on the marathon map.
If anyone is looking at all these races and just can’t decide, consider The Krusteaz Doublestack Challenge. Complete the Eugene 5K on Saturday and the half marathon or full marathon on Sunday to earn a bonus medal.
All participants will enjoy a pancake breakfast after finishing the race. And marathon and half marathon finishers will receive a medal containing a piece of salvaged wood from the timbers that once held up Historic Hayward Field’s East Grandstand. All racers will earn beautiful medals to celebrate their accomplishments.
Eugene Marathon & Half $45-180
Details:
When:
- Saturday, April 27: 5K at 8:30am and Duck Dash at 9:30am.
- Sunday, April 28: Marathon and Half Marathon at 7am.
Where: Hayward Field (1530 Agate Street)
Packet Pick-Up: Friday April 26 1-6pm and Saturday, April 27 10am-6pm at Health & Fitness Expo (Graduate Eugene Hotel, 66 E 6th Avenue)
