ORRC Vernonia Marathon
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ORRC Vernonia Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay
The event on April 12, 2026 in Banks, Oregon includes a marathon, a half marathon, and two- and four-person marathon relays. Both the marathon and half marathon are USATF certified; the marathon is also designated as a Boston Marathon qualifier. The courses are point-to-point and use long sections of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, with about 21 miles running along paved rails-to-trails through forested scenery. The route features a gradual uphill segment and a roughly seven mile, 400 foot net downhill into Banks.
The marathon begins near Camp Cedar Ridge and Vernonia Lake and finishes on the Banks High School track. The half marathon starts inside Stub Stewart State Park and joins the trail before finishing at the same high school track. Aid stations and portable toilets are positioned every two to three miles and will offer water, Gatorade, Gu energy gel, and sweet and salty snacks; cups are provided. Relay teams share the same course divided into four legs of approximately 4.65, 8.45, 5.3, and 7.8 miles and have a seven hour team time limit.
Logistics note that the race is point-to-point: parking is concentrated at Banks Middle School, Sunset Speedway Park, Banks Elementary and nearby city streets, with shuttle buses to the start areas. Packet pickup is at Banks Middle School with dynamic bib assignment and drop bags are transported to the finish. Post-race provisions include hot soup, baked potatoes, showers at the middle school, a finisher medal, and custom Vernonia Fitsoks. The trail is shared with other users; participants must keep to the right, run two abreast, follow flagger and safety instructions, and avoid dogs and strollers. Use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged for safety. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
