For anyone ready to put something on their calendar for spring, the Eugene Marathon, as well as its half marathon, 5K, and kids’ Duck Dash, has opened registration. They hope to hold an in-person event ending on the finish line at Hayward Field.
The race typically attracts eight to 10 thousand runners from all over the U.S. Not knowing what the pandemic will look like the last weekend in April, event coordinator Becky Radliff says they’re simultaneously planning a high-tech virtual race, and a live event. She says they're looking at a variety of precautions: “We are preparing that there will be possible changes for things like starting corrals and aid stations and mask wearing up until the start of the race and after the race.”
Radliff says they’re part of a network of race directors who share best practices for in-person events. They’re working with Lane County Public Health, the City of Eugene and others as well. The race finished at Autzen stadium in 2019 while Hayward Field was under construction, and was canceled in 2020. Radliff says they’re excited to bring the marathon back to the home of Track Town.
