eugene marathon course guide
By PaceKit Team · Updated April 2026
The Eugene Marathon is a loop that starts and finishes at Hayward Field and takes you through two cities (Eugene and Springfield), along the Willamette River, and through a network of parks and trails that reflect the running culture this city was built on.
Miles 1 to 4 (South Eugene). You start on Agate Street in the shadow of Hayward Field and head south through University of Oregon neighborhoods. The terrain is mostly flat with a noticeable hill around mile 4. The crowd is dense, the energy is high, and you're running on tree-lined residential streets with volunteers who are probably also runners.
Miles 4 to 9 (Amazon Park and Return to Campus). The course loops through Amazon Park (Frank Kinney Park) and heads back north on Amazon Parkway toward the University. Another short hill around mile 8. At mile 9, you pass Hayward Field again, which gives spectators in the stadium a second viewing opportunity and gives you a preview of where you'll be finishing. The UO campus crowd support here is outstanding.
Miles 9 to 10 (Franklin Blvd and the Split). You cross Franklin Boulevard and head east toward Springfield. At the Knickerbocker Footbridge, the half marathon splits off to the left. You continue straight. The field thins. The race changes.
Miles 10 to 16 (Springfield Loop). The course takes you through Springfield on the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System, past Island Park, Springfield High School, and near Autzen Stadium (home of Oregon Ducks football). This section is flat, paved, and winding. The Springfield community provides moderate support, and the river views are pleasant.
Miles 16 to 23 (Westward on the River Paths). After the Springfield loop, you head west along the Willamette River through Alton Baker Park and past Valley River Center. This is the quiet stretch. Trees, water, the sound of the river. The path winds through parks and crosses multiple footbridges. The terrain is dead flat. The crowd is thin. You're in the marathon now.
Miles 23 to 25.5 (Downtown Riverfront and Return). The course takes you through Eugene's new Downtown Riverfront Park before turning back toward Hayward Field. The crowd noise begins building. You can feel the stadium getting closer.
Miles 25.5 to 26.2 (The Finish). You rejoin the half marathon course for the final approach. The last half mile takes you to the stadium entrance, through the tunnel, and onto the track. Two hundred meters on the Hayward Field surface. The PA calls your name. You cross the line where legends have crossed before you.