calendar icon Oct 31, 2024

Marathon Details - Pacific Northwest Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > OR > Eugene > Pacific Northwest Marathon

Pacific Northwest Marathon

Pacific Northwest Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K

location icon Eugene, OR USA

calendar icon September 21, 2024

calendar icon http://www.pacificnorthwestmarathon.com

Marathon Results

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Race Details

One of the fastest courses in Oregon, Washington, and California. Run downriver along the Willamette River from the beautiful, quaint town of Coburg, OR to Harrisburg. These towns are preparing to host you and make your race the experience of a lifetime. Its flat and gradually downhill to give you a little boost. Along the way, you get to explore the scenic farmlands of the southern Willamette Valley.

Contact Information

Name: David
Address: 3624 Gilham Rd.
Eugene, OR 97408
Phone Number:  541-653-9704
Email: Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (6)

Course Rating Course 4.3 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.3 
 
 
Number of comments: 6


 

K. R. from Eugene, Oregon (5/1/2019)
"Well run, small event on a fast and flat course!" (about: 2018)

2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I ran the half marathon at this event, so don't have the experience with the full (though riding the shuttle back to Eugene with several full finishers, most of them BQ'd and had great comments about the race). I initially signed up for the full, but due to a nasty summer illness, requested to downgrade to the half, which the race was able to accommodate. I would recommend this race if you're looking for a small, friendly, well-run event on a fast course. The course and event overall exceeded my expectations, though to be fair, I expected a small, home-town, rural race with chill vibes. It is all of that, and very well executed. The course changed this year (to my understanding) and so it really isn't in Eugene - Springfield anymore, but I was surprised by how enjoyable the course was, all on country roads, but very flat, and leading me to PR in my half time. Shuttles to the start and back from the finish were really convenient and well-timed (a super crucial aspect that could make / break a race). There were really well-stocked aid stations with local groups volunteering at them (Honey Stinger gels for the win!). I also really enjoyed the adequate refueling supplies at the finish: gatorade, local fresh fruit, and bean burritos (thanks for the vegetarian friendly fare). The medals were really awesome (especially for such a small event) and way exceeded my expectations. This is probably the strongest aspect of the event, following the course and organization. My impression was that the race grew quite a bit this year, due to advertising and targeting the end-of-season BQ hopefuls, and so there were a few issues in getting the half started (mostly just a delay of about 15 minutes) due to the large number of participants (I fully anticipate that the race will adjust to this growth and this year will get off smoothly, based on how well-executed all other aspects of the event were). I would love to see them improve the shirts for this year. The shirts are all right, and you do get to choose your color, which is fun. But it would be nice if there were a date on it at least, and something indicating multiple events (I feel a bit strange wearing a shirt that says 'Pacific Northwest Marathon' when I ran only the half). Overall, this is a great event for what it is, and as long as you're not looking for a big-city, packed event with lots of spectators, you'll be set up to have an awesome experience and probably a fast time!

 

B. W. from Portland, OR (5/15/2017)
"Inspiring for all abilites" (about: 2017)

11-50 previous marathons | 3 Pacific Northwest Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I have been a pacer for this race since their first year in 2015 so I have seen how much this race has grown since day 1.

Now let me be flat out honest. If you are looking for a race with a bunch of frills, lots of swag, tons of people and flash this is not your race. This is a small, budget friendly, all-abilities race that caters to a different crowd. Your entry fee gets you your race, your choice of t-shirt color and styles (this is a rarity and the shirts are always my favorite every year) and your medal.

Packet pick up is a small affair at Dicks Sporting Goods. One thing that got my attention when I first started running this race is because this race is so small the race director greeted a lot of runners by name as they came in. His team is invested in you, and invested in your story. It was a simple and well organized process to pick up packets which consisted of your shirt, number and a couple coupons.

Race morning starts with an early start at 6am for the slower paces. This course is one of the few in the Northwest that is open for 7 plus hours for the marathon giving everyone a chance to reach for their unicorn moment. Once you arrive you can check your bag with the registration volunteers and do what you need to start.

This race is small enough there is zero need for corals. You line up by following the pacer closest to your pace and we all went out as one group.

For me, the course is one of the biggest highlights. You get to travel through Springfield from the city streets and nicer houses all away back into the Springfield backcountry. This course is extremely flat with a few gentle inclines spread out here and there.

This course is also well supported by both runners and volunteers a lot. This is the one race a year that feels like the elite runners are pulling for those of us who wish we could be faster, there had been so many high fives and nice comments out there. Also the volunteers truly had been excited even through the rain. They made it a point to share a smile with you.

The course is well marked (though the GPS had it run long) and had water stops just about the right intervals that had been well stocked with everything that you possibly could need.

Once you finished you had been met by a small party atmosphere. You collected your medal to the roar of the crowd at Crescent Village and got a chance to refuel with a home made buffet including sandwiches and burritos. The MC interviewed first time runners and runners who PR'ed on the course to share the inspiring and motivating energies.

As I write this, the perfect way to look at this race is think about running with some of your best most supportive group running friends while still getting your medal. Add to the fact that you are celebrated no matter the pace or ability. This has turned into one of my favorite races every year.

 

D. R. from Eden Prairie MN (5/28/2016)
"Fabulous. Fabulous and Triple Fabulous!" (about: 2016)

50+ previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


This is a great small marathon. What a neat way to see this city. Comments follows:

1) One of the friendliest marathons. The beaming smiles at packet pickup and the friendliest volunteers that I have seen lately. Interesting they had a group of young people (teenagers) assisting at the water stops and traffic control. What a delight  I suspect they were from a church group since the young men had collar shirts with ties and the gals were appropriate attired as well. They were all so encouraging and helpful. Every one of them had a huge smiles on their faces.
2) The host hotel was terrific. It was a Garden Inn by Hilton in Springfield. My room was very roomy and well appointed. They had a great marathon room rate and when I checked in they had a special little goodie bag and water for us. PLUS they immediately checked what time I wanted to be shuttled to the race (which was only about a mile away). The driver was on time and courteous. They encouraged us to call when ready to be picked up. I chose to walk back because it was a beautiful day.
3) The course is open for 7 hours and it offered a one hour early start for those anticipating to be over 5 hours. I took the early start and was glad because even though the temperature climbed to about 65 degrees  the intensity was duly noted.
4) Picture perfect day - cool and sunny. The course was absolutely beautiful.

I love our sport and every time I come across people that are inspirational. Today it was a couple who were walking the half-marathon. I came across them at my mile 23. Both the man and lady had weight challenges but they were walking the half marathon. This was the lady's first attempt at the half-marathon - she was doing it! After chatting just a bit I took off after I wished them well and told her what an inspiration she was  AND SHE WAS!
Another inspiration is the generous time this course is open and how the race officials encourages community involvement. Thank you!!!

 

S. W. from USA (8/28/2015)
"Positive and Supportive Atmosphere!" (about: 2015)

1 previous marathon | 1 Pacific Northwest Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


The Pacific Northwest Marathon/Half Marathon/5K was a fabulous race! After loosing almost 100lbs I decided to begin walking my first 5k! The race director David was so encouraging and kind. So many people put a great deal of work into making this event a success. I am blessed to have been a participant. I will sign up for 2016 for sure! The support throughout the race was great with volunteers along the side cheering me on and pointing the way to the finish line! The finish line was jazzed with enthusiastic cheers along with snacks, massages, singers and local business booths were great! I can't wait until next year!

 

T. P. from Akron ohio (8/15/2015)
"Good race to double up with Tacoma." (about: 2015)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Pacific Northwest Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


I would highly recommend this race to any 50 stater who wants to knock out WA & OR in a single weekend. Caught a non-stop flight from Cle to Seattle and drove to Eugene. Host Hotel shuttled runners to start but wasn't too far so I walked back. Had enough time to drive to Tacoma and catch the pasta dinner there. the weather in Eugene was mild and the course was fairly flat. I actually spent less running two marathons than I spent running one in Arizona. This was much easier than my other double which was NH and Maine.

 

C. S. from Oregon (5/4/2015)
"No Frills for $90.00" (about: 2015)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Pacific Northwest Marathon
COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 1


I think the race director tried hard and for a first year event it was average at best. The course was measured long, there were no fans, no awards, average medal, nice shirt, no on course entertainment, volunteers sent people the wrong way and finish line was average. 120 finishers in the marathon.


 
 
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