Eugene Marathon course map and elevation.

How I’d run it, stretch by stretch

Miles 1 and 2: Hayward Field and the South University neighborhood

Over these 2 miles the course climbs 98 feet and drops 114, 16 feet net down. The climb: University Street to 20th Avenue from mile 0.9 (+57 feet over 0.4 mi, 2.4%).

The marathon and half start together at 7:00 on Agate Street, and the first two miles through the South University neighborhood are narrow, twisty and crowded, with two short rises, the second about 60 feet. Don’t fight for position. Run a few seconds slower than goal and let the field thin out. There are 24 miles left to find those seconds.

Miles 3 to 6: Hilyard Street and the climb to Frank Kinney Park

Over these 4 miles the course climbs 104 feet and drops 85, 20 feet net up. The climb: Up to Frank Kinney Park from mile 3.3 (+88 feet over 1.4 mi, 1.2%).

South on Hilyard Street and East Amazon Drive, the road rises gently for about a mile and a half to Frank Kinney Park, the high point of the course at about 530 feet. It’s about 90 feet in all, steepest in the last few tenths around the park just before mile 5. Run it by effort. West Amazon Drive gives it back on a gentle downhill, and that’s free time as long as you don’t force it.

Miles 7 to 10: Amazon Parkway, 19th Avenue and the half split

Over these 4.7 miles the course climbs 112 feet and drops 129, 18 feet net down. The climb: East 19th Avenue from mile 8.0 (+68 feet over 0.6 mi, 2.1%).

Back north on Amazon Parkway, flat and fast, then the short, sharp one: about 70 feet up East 19th Avenue around mile 8.5, over in about half a mile. Shorten your stride and stay patient over the top. You pass Hayward Field again at mile 9, where the crowds are big, and then the course drops onto the river path, where the half marathon turns off at the Knickerbocker footbridge.

Miles 11 to 14: Glenwood and the Springfield loop

Over these 3.8 miles the course climbs 41 feet and drops 43, about level overall.

Now it’s just the marathoners, and the field spreads out fast. Franklin Boulevard through Glenwood, over the Willamette into downtown Springfield, a loop of its streets, and back west toward Alton Baker Park. It’s flat. This is where to settle into goal pace and find people to run with, because the river paths ahead get quiet.

Miles 15 to 17: Alton Baker Park and Autzen Stadium

Over these 2.6 miles the course climbs 26 feet and drops 47, 22 feet net down.

Into Alton Baker Park on the Canoe Canal Trail, around a small loop, and past Autzen Stadium to the river. Flat paths and few spectators. Take your fuel here, on the flat, where it’s easy to drink.

Miles 18 to 20: the North and East Bank Paths to the Owosso Bridge

Over these 3.8 miles the course climbs 37 feet and drops 50, 13 feet net down.

The North Bank and East Bank Paths run downriver past Valley River Center to the Owosso Bridge, the far point of the course and its lowest ground, with a hairpin up onto the bridge. The path drifts very slightly downhill the whole way. This is the quietest stretch of the race, and it’s where focus slips. Pick a runner ahead of you and reel them in, then pick the next one.

Miles 21 to 24: the West Bank and South Bank Paths

Over these 3.7 miles the course climbs 52 feet and drops 34, 18 feet net up.

Back upriver on the West Bank and South Bank Paths, past the Owen Rose Garden and Skinner Butte. It climbs so gradually you won’t see it, only a few feet a mile, but you’ll feel it in your pace. Hold your effort steady and accept a watch that reads a few seconds slow. Nothing on this stretch is worth a surge.

Miles 25 to the finish: the riverfront to the Hayward Field track

Over these 1.7 miles the course climbs 42 feet and drops 9, 32 feet net up.

Through the Downtown Riverfront Park, back across Franklin Boulevard and up Agate Street, then into Hayward Field to finish on the track. The crowds come back for the last mile. Whatever you saved on the river paths, spend it here.