Looking for a flat, fast, and scenic course with a supportive race atmosphere and a track finish? The ORRC Vernonia Marathon and Half Marathon might just be your dream race.
Race Date and Start Times
- April 12, 2026
- Marathon and Marathon Relay: 8:00 AM – Cedar Ridge Retreat, Vernonia
- Half Marathon: 9:00 AM – Stub Stewart State Park, Hilltop
Check out our 2019 recap!
The Course
The course is a runner-friendly rails-to-trail adventure along the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, with gentle grades, a mostly flat trail, and just enough rolling sections to keep things interesting.
- The half marathon starts at Stub Stewart, joins the trail at mile 2, and is a gentle downhill to the finish.
- Marathoners start at Cedar Ridge Retreat, enjoy a solid downhill in the first miles, and lose over 600 feet of elevation from miles 13 to 22 before finishing in Banks.
All runners finish at Banks High School Track, providing a fun, supportive, and photo-ready finish line experience.
Aid stations and porta-potties are located at miles 2, 4, 7, 10, 12, 13, 15.5, 19, 21.5, and 23.
While there is parking at the actual start, please do park in Banks and take the shuttle bus to your start line and leave the parking at the start for the volunteers and spectators. You’d need to find a ride to get back there after the race, too – the shuttles only run for the start.
Marathon Relay
The 4-person relay follows the same marathon course divided into four legs:
- Leg 1, Camp Cedar Ridge to Anderson Park (4.65 miles)
- Leg 2, Anderson Park to Tophill (8.45 miles)
- Leg 3, Tophill to Buxton (5.3 miles)
- Leg 4, Buxton to Banks High School (7.8 miles)
Relay teams have 7 hours to complete the course, with legs unevenly divided due to trailhead logistics.
Whether you are chasing a personal best, enjoying a fast trail race, or running with friends, the Vernonia Marathon and Half offers beautiful scenery, smooth trails, and a supportive running community that makes the experience memorable.
