As 2020 draws to a close, so does the window for participants of the Eugene Marathon. Since the race was cancelled, roughly 4,800 racers will need to decide by Dec. 31 how to use their registration.
Racers can choose to defer until 2022 or use their entry for either the virtual or in-person event for 2021.
Race Director Ian Dobson says the team is working to ensure an enjoyable experience whether it’s in-person or virtual.
“We just want people to take advantage of the registration they already paid for and get what they paid for out of it,” said Dobson. “And I recognize that a virtual race isn’t something that everybody is interested in. I do think that we’re putting together something that is valuable. But, if you want certainty and you want something that feels like you’ve experienced before, then 2022 is probably the best option.”
The Eugene Marathon team is planning both the 2021 virtual and in-person races with COVID-19 safety protocols which they hope to never use again.
If the in-person event is held this coming year, the plan is to have the finish line back at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. If it is cancelled, registrations will be transferred to the virtual race, which is scheduled to take place regardless of whether the in-person race is cancelled.
The virtual event endeavors to be more interactive than just a normal run, according to Dobson. The plan is based off a template the team tested this year with the Run To Stay Warm event. There will be a starting line and a course marked for people to run on their own on the day of the race.
For those still thinking about registering for the 2021 race, the traditional price increase for January has been eliminated because of the uncertainty of whether an in-person race is possible.
Those who miss the deadline will automatically be registered for the 2021 virtual event.
For more information and registration help contact info@eugenemarathon.com
