Eugene came out in droves to support the return of the marathon to the city. The course was very well mapped out for the first 24 miles. Then it struggled. Having the marathoners circle the stadium parking lot was a disaster. I ran the first half of the marathon quicker than I got out of the parking lot. We were trapped with only one way out of the parking lot. Nonetheless, I am positive that they will be able to rectify that situation and I hope they can figure out a way to finish inside the stadium.

Finish line excluded, it was a FANtastic marathon.

Thanks Eugene!!!

The inaugural Eugene Marathon was fun and well-executed. Kudos to the race management team!

Eugene offered the ease of a small marathon with a beautiful riverside course, running history (Hayward Field) and pleasant, supportive crowds in spots. The course is flat, though not pancake-flat.

Yes, I am a bit biased because this is my hometown marathon. However, I've run other small, medium and large races (including Boston), and this race compares favorably. Sorry Portland... this is a much more beautiful course!

The race expo was small but inviting. Friends say the shuttle bus from the finish line ran smoothly. The race shirt is a long-sleeve technical shirt from a local company, SportHill.

Suggestions for next year: find a way to re-route the last 1.5 miles off MLK Blvd to open parking in Autzen Stadium lots and keep runners away from idling traffic. Also make sure all the mile markers get placed on the course.

If you're looking for a spring marathon alternative, come run the Eugene Marathon!

This was my first marathon and I finished under 4 hours. The Eugene Marathon was perfect place to start. They said, "fast, flat and scenic" and it was. It was the perfect weather and the course ran along some of the most beautiful parts of Eugene. Around mile 18 you were along the river with fishermen fishing on it. The race seemed very organized from picking up your packet, to the start, to having enough water stations, to the finish line. When we came around Autzen Stadium, I wish we could have seen the finish line. It would help the last mile not seem so long. Maybe they will change that for next year. I plan on doing more marathons in my future. It was really challenging and rewarding time. I think the Eugene Marathon help me have such a great experience. I plan on running it again next year!

Eugene was a very good spring Marathon and was very well organized for a inaugural marathon. The course was a mix of city streets and river bike paths with about 10 miles of it being on the bike paths. Most of course was flat with only 1 hill at mile 5. I thought there was a bit too much bike path but it was scenic along the river. The bike path was a bit rough and very curvy. This lead to slower times than expected. There were a lot of PRs set judging by post event comments.
The only glitch I saw was about 3 of the mile markers signs didn't get put up. This made for a lot of confusion with people that were going for specific times. Everything else was done very well.

Absolutely FANTASTIC spectators almost all the way along the course that were cheering you on by name because your name was on everybody's bib number. That is a great idea and more marathons could learn from Eugene's group. The Expo was not much but hopefully it will get better next year. It was fun and yes I did PR. Thanks to the Eugene Marathon and everybody that was involved :) Andy :)

I live in Eugene and I was even surprised how nice this course was! It was only my second marathon, but I can't imagine things going any better. Hopefully in the future we can finish in Autzen stadium? The course was flat, the weather was awesome and there were fans along the whole course!

I was really impressed about the race starting on time and the bonus of John Keston singing the national anthem. It was great to warm up on Hayward Field and then run such a beautiful course. Finishing in the stadium would have been a bonus. It is a marathon that I would run again.

I ran the 2007 Eugene Marathon and qualified for Boston with a personal best of over 15 minutes faster than my previous PR! The course is mostly flat, with a large hill at mile 5, and some undulations, but it's fairly flat otherwise. There weren't loads of spectators (NYC is my main marathon!) but they were SO supportive and I LOVE how our name was on our bib numbers. The crowds passed out food, water, and were really great. And whoever had on Van Halen, haha, really fun!

The organizers needed a bit more practice. I asked several basic questions to numerous individuals at the expo, and got 'I don't know' the expo volunteers/ workers didn't also know to WHOM I could ask the questions. These were basic questions like, 'Are there mile markers?' 'Are there clocks at every mile?' 'Are there official race photographers like Brightroom whom we could buy photos from?' 'How often are the shuttles running?' Etc. I think they need a bit more organization but the race went well!

I'm happy to say this has been my most memorable marathon and i set a PB. Eugene is a beautiful town and running the paths where so many great runners ran before was an amazing experience. To me just steping into Hayward field and running a lap around sent chills down my spine I felt like i was Prefontaine, great boost that carry me through the race. I got nothing but great thing to say about this race. The route was beautiful i loved running thru the University of Oregon and along the river and beautiful residential areas with great crowds and volunters. I was hoping for a bigger expo but it was great seeing Kenny Moore and Jared from Subway =)
I really liked the t-shirt and medal, great job!! I'm sure Eugenes Marathon will become a big event. GREAT JOB OVERALL and cant wait till next year!!

Very well organized race. Impressive for an inaugural race. Tons of volunteers, and lots of great, cheering spectators. Aid stations spaced perfectly and well organized. Great course; I loved running on the nicely paved river path, although I do agree with another comment posted that the last mile next to stinky, slow traffic wasn't the best way to end. Please consider adding some energy bars or gels to a couple of aid stations. I was starving by mile 15. Luckily, our hotel was at mile 16.5, so I grabbed an energy bar there. By the way, runners, the Valley River Inn turned out to be a great place for families to watch their runners go by, and still gave them plenty of time to get to the finish. I will do this one again! Cool medal and technical T.

Excellent marathon, esp. for an "inaugural." Route was magnificent, mainly along the banks of the Willamette River. The three footbridge crossings were gorgeous. I've seen much bigger spectator crowds in my 20 marathons, but none to compare to the combined enthusiasm and sheer friendliness here. Salute to the many musicians along the course, esp. the chap with the harp (!). My only "down" comment: this "glucose" drink at the aid stations is rather an acquired taste; it'll do, but I'll pack more of my own stuff next time. Looking forward to the 2008 race!