#21 - Eugene Marathon 2007

DATE: Sunday, April 29, 2007

LOCATION: Eugene/Springfield, Oregon

Eugene has been called “Track Town USA” for many years. Eugene is the home of the University of Oregon Ducks (which I am a huge fan). The U of O has had Championship track and cross country teams since the 70’s and of course was the school that Steve Prefontaine ran for in the early 70’s. All this said, until 2007 they did not have a marathon. In late 2006, they announced that they would be doing a marathon in Eugene for 2007. In the very early registrations it only cost $45. So I jumped at the opportunity and registered in late 2006.

I felt pretty good going into the race, I made plans to stay at a hostel in Eugene the night before. I drove the hour and a half to Eugene on Saturday night, and enjoyed a pre-race meal at McDonald’s (I know it’s not that healthy, but it was close to the hostel). Before that I attended the expo in order to pick up my packet. At the hostel I roomed with another marathon, who was a huge Prefontaine fan.

I felt really good the morning of the race and was off to a good start. I felt great and the weather was perfect. It was cool and partly cloudy. In the first half I was surprised as to how well I was running. I was even more surprised when I seemed to run just as well in the second half. I finished with a time of 3:36:55. The race ended in front of Autzen Stadium (the football stadium for the U of O). I was able to catch up with many of my northwest Maniac friends. All in all a great race!