Eugene Marathon Reviews & Race Reports
32 reviews from runners who've completed this race
Eugene Marathon reviews and race reports
The Hayward Field track finish — Many runners called the final stretch on the Hayward Field track the high point, with fans filling the stands. One 2025 runner noted how soft the track feels underfoot.
The Willamette River path — Much of the second half follows wooded bike paths along the Willamette River. Many runners found it pretty but long and twisty, with thin crowds. One 2025 runner disagreed and felt support held up there.
The climb after mile 8 — The early miles roll through Eugene neighborhoods, with a climb just after mile 8. A few runners found the first quarter hillier than expected, while a 2025 runner called the mile 8 hill mild and short.
Sharing the road with the half — The half marathon starts with the full and shares the course until the split near mile 11. Several runners were caught off guard by how packed the opening miles were.
Crowded start and unexpected heat challenged pacing strategy
My goal for the race was to aim for at least 6:40/mile pace, but aim for 6:30 if I felt good to hit my A goal. It was a pretty crowded start and probably the hottest I’ve felt at the beginning of a marathon in a while.
Crowded early miles but strong crowd support throughout the race
After the gun, I honestly wasn't really prepared for how crowded the early miles would be, despite having consumed a lot of media and recaps about the race. Especially running with the pace group, it could be challenging at times to find good running room in those early miles. Crowd support also exceeded my expectations.
Fought through hamstring issues to finish strong in debut marathon
As I strided out cautiously and settled in, I could feel that hammy starting to twinge. However, at 2 miles, I was running free of any pain or tightness! My training partner hopped onto the course at mile 3 to help give me someone to run with for the majority of it, since somehow I was already in no man's land. So it really came in handy!
Felt great until mile 23, then fought through cramps to finish strong
Thankfully the time change was in our favor, so a 7am start felt like 10am. Woke up at 4:45am no issue and ate my usual pre-race PopTarts and LiquidIV. Had plenty of time to panic over what to wear because 45, while perfect, is such a hard temp to dress for in my opinion. I had planned to just do spandex shorts and sports bra, but I worried about being too cold at the start, but long sleeves was definitely going to be too warm and I didn’t pack any throwaway clothes.
Felt strong throughout, partnered up for the final miles
I took the shuttle to the start line at 5:45 and arrived at 6 for a 7am start. I did an 8 min warmup and the whole area around Hayward field was so nice to see, I felt my nerves FINALLY start to settle. I started the race with a couple of nice people in the 3:15 pace group. Within about ten minutes of the start, I realized I felt good enough to not settle for 3:15.