Now is the time to make the commitment if you’re thinking of running a spring or summer marathon.
No, you don’t have to sign up; you don’t have to tell anyone your goal. But you do have to think about solidifying your weekly mileage base, taking steps to prevent injury, and make plans for marathon weekend.
To get you started, here’s a list of marathons in Oregon that might be worth the trip:
May 3: Eugene Marathon, Oregon
$85 through 1/1/09. Start/finish near Hayward Field, then 9 miles through South Eugene and back up to Alton Baker Park for a 6 mile loop that takes runners into Springfield. The next 10 miles are along the Willamette River on paved bike paths before heading back to campus for the brand new finish in front of the Bowerman Building. In total, participants run through or along 12 parks on this flat and fast course.
May 30: Newport Marathon, Oregon
$65 before 3/1/09. If it’s not full before that! This is another one that fills up quickly. “Starting in Yaquina Bay State Park runners will head north along the ocean through some of Newport’s picturesque neighborhoods. This loop is primarily residential with a few short gentle hills and turns at street corners. Heading back through the starting area, runners will proceed downhill under the Yaquina Bay Bridge where, the course continues along the bay. Just past mile four, there is a short hill that rises about 40 feet then gently descends back to bay level where it continues for the remainder of the race. The course follows the Yaquina Bay and River estuary to mile 15 where it turns back toward town, retracing the same route. The gentle hill at mile four reappears at mile 26, and it’s downhill from there to the finish.”
June TBA: Pacific Crest Marathon, Sunriver, Oregon
Last year, the full marathon was $90. “Circles Sunriver Resort on widely paved very scenic bike paths. Marathoners will receive their Half-Marathon split when traveling through the Athlete Village, before heading out on the second loop of this beautiful scenic course that will take you through meadows and forests, past rivers, and beautifully landscaped golf greens and summer homes.”
July 4: Foot Traffic Flat, Sauvie Island, Oregon
Registration opens in February 2009, fees TBA. “The “Flat,” as we affectionately call it, has become a Fourth of July tradition around Portland. The course, as the name implies, is about the flattest and fastest half and full marathon on the West Coast.”
August TBA (But usually the 2nd Saturday, so probably 8/8/09): Crater Lake Rim Runs and Marathon, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Registration opens 3/1/2009. Fees TBA, but last year it was $85, with a $20 late fee after 7/31. This is a very challenging course in a spectacular setting. Lots of hills and high altitude, but well worth the effort if you’re in marathon shape!
All information on pricing and course descriptions found on that race’s website. The prices listed on this post are the current prices as of publication, and many race registrations increase the closer you get to the race. I highly recommend that if any of these look good to you, you check out their website to find out more about the race and how it matches your goals and strengths - and budget.
