calendar icon Oct 31, 2024

Marathon Details - Oregon Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > OR > Banks > Oregon Marathon

Oregon Marathon

Oregon Marathon & Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon

location icon Banks, OR USA

calendar icon July 18, 2020 - CANCELLED

calendar icon http://www.uberthons.com/half-summer-homepage

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Marathon Results

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Race Details

Beautiful Banks Vernonia Trail.

Contact Information

Name: Alan Rasmussen
Address: PO Box 217
Sherwood, OR 97140
Phone Number:  503-860-9821
Email: Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (8)

Course Rating Course 4.6 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.0 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.1 
 
 
Number of comments: 8


 

M. L. from CA (8/4/2017)
"Beautiful, but Challenging Marathon Course" (about: 2017)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Oregon Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 2


Just ran this race, on an unseasonably warm day. The course is beautiful, running mostly on a converted railway, shaded by trees through the OR countryside. But the marathon course is hard. It runs at a slight incline from miles 6 to 13. Bits of that are quite hard with a short wall just before the halfway. It's then downhill for the next 7 miles at a very gentle grade-mostly doesn't feel like you are running downhill, which is good for people who don't like downhill running but it's hard to make up time. My Garmin showed over 1,100 feet of elevation gained over the course of the whole race.

Race organization was OK. Buses at start were late but on the whole it was well organized. There was only one bathroom available at the school which made for a long line. It would be nice if they could get access to more. Start was a little hectic, and it wasn't clear that course marshals at the beginning of the course were properly stationed. Aid stations were well spaced, but it's crazy to me that the race doesn't supply gels-just water and a zero calorie electrolyte drink. I've never been to a race that doesn't have gels! Aid stations were well staffed, but not very well trained. Same for course marshals, who just stood there without either pointing, clapping or saying a word. It would be nice if aid station volunteers shouted out where the water and electrolyte drink was. Not many spectators on the course, cheering for runners, if that matters to you. After race party was nice.

But nice race on the whole. I would do it again. I do think the website understates how challenging the course is.

 

B. S. from Oregon (7/25/2017)
"beautiful summer course, but misses opportunities." (about: 2017)

50+ previous marathons | 2 Oregon Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


Problems with this race: not well stocked aid station, shirt does not say marathon and out of four of us none of them fit well, medal way oversized.

These are easy to correct to make a great course.

 

Greg Jones from Cincinnati, OH (7/25/2017)
"Amazing experience!" (about: 2017)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Oregon Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


This was my 30th full (21st state) so I have been around the block a number of times. For starters the race director was very responsive via email. I came all the way from Cincinnati to run in this and knock off Oregon (50 stater) and I day wouldn't go by and he would respond with my questions.

In addition, the race allowed for same day pick up as well which saved me a ton of extra driving the day before.

The shirts are AWESOME! Different style of running shirt but very unique and neat design.

The course is mostly on a bike path and it's rolling hills but there are about 8 miles that are downhill. Almost the entire course is in the shade so despite the July time period it wasn't too hot. Aid stations were plentiful and I never felt thirsty or dehydrated.

Not a lot of crowd support but that's because it's on a bike path so not the races fault. Much easier to manage. I wore headphones and just zoned out looking at the scenery.

Post race party was epic. Homemade lemonade which was amazing and a grill out for participants that included burgers, dogs, fresh fruits, multiple salads, etc. spectators could have bought a food ticket if they wanted to eat as well.

The medal is the largest I have earned and a very nice design.

Uberthons goes well out of their way to make this race great. This isn't a cookie cutter marathon and I am so happy I ran in this race!

I can't recall the exact cost but recall it being cheaper than many races I have ran.

I absolutely think you should do this race!

 

S. C. from Springfield Oregon (7/17/2016)
"Beautiful course" (about: 2016)

50+ previous marathons | 2 Oregon Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This may be the best medal I've received in over 100 marathons.
Well worth the run!
This rails-to-trails course is all about solitude and Oregons stunningly beautiful forests. The middle section is well away from all human activity and all you'll hear is yourself.
Great having the school to hang out in at the start line! Nice comfortable indoor spot with plenty of seating area.
The weather was perfect and the heavily wooded trail was comfortable. The trail is super smooth and nice pavement allowing you to comfortably enjoy the scenery without the fear of a face plant.

ENJOY!

 

S. S. from Oregon (9/16/2014)
"Mostly flat profile" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Oregon Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


The profile listed on the website did not correlate to what we actually ran, but it was still a basically flat course. Plenty of aid station support and water (much needed for the hot day). There were 3 gravel roads. The first one was quite rough; the other two more groomed. Well-organized event. Biggest disadvantage is the lack of shade/trees since you are running out in the country with wide open fields on each side. I would do this marathon again on this course.

 

J. B. from Springfield, OR (10/7/2013)
"Great race but serious rain but a bit of a tamper" (about: 2013)

2 previous marathons | 1 Oregon Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


A beautiful scenic race along a quiet rails to trails course. It felt like a lot more uphill then the elevation charts showed but still was extremely fast considering the torrential downpour. You expect rain in the fall in Oregon but this was ridiculous. The race started at the local school which was nice, think dry with plenty of bathrooms. The race origianization was great they communicated well before during and after the event. The medal was huge, and the finish line was great. Considering the weather the support along the course was well done. They are moving locations next year to the Mt. Angel Octoberfest which should be fun as well. I will try to squeeze this in as well.

 

Kirk S. from Portland, Oregon (10/3/2013)
"A Glorious Run through the Forest." (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Oregon Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 2


At their website, the organizers promised sani-huts and goo at each of the aid stations. That did not happen, and the food at the finish line definitely needs some improvement (if you are a vegetarian, you are out of luck.) You had to weave your way through crowds leaving the nearby football game near the end of the course, so a different day for the race would certainly be better.
Except for the finish line and one point along the trail, there were no spectators. You run for the course, and it is well worth it. The course made up for the lack of organization and spectators; despite the heavy rain (or maybe even because of it) running through the coastal Oregon forest was breathtakingly beautiful.

 

B. M. from Iowa (10/1/2013)
"Great small race on a scenic trail" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Oregon Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I liked this race. I'd do it again someday.

Negatives: It rained (not much you can do about that).

Positives: Nice medal. Course was beautiful while running under the canopy of trees. While spectators were few they were very enthusiastic. Lots of volunteers. All of whom were very friendly. I enjoyed having the race director MC'ing at the finish and interviewing runners after they came in.

Other comments: Shirt is a little too snug for me. Primary packet pickup was on a Thursday although they did eventually offer another one for 1 hour the night before the race.

Suggestion: Next year, can you open the school for a post race shower?


 
 
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