The Eugene Marathon, is a marathon established in 2007, which takes place in Eugene, Oregon, a city considered to be the mecca of track and field in the American running community. The main event, accompanied by a half marathon, 5K and kids run, became in 2007 the first major marathon to be held in Eugene since 1982, when the last OTC-Nike marathon was staged. Touted for having a "fast, flat, scenic course," the Eugene Marathon traverses the regulation 42.195-kilometre marathon distance, and is certified by USA Track and Field, the sport's governing body in the US. Nearly 5000 entrants participated in the inaugural 2007 marathon events, which featured about thirty elite athletes, many of whom were shooting for qualifying marks for the US Olympic Trials, which were held in New York City in November. read more