ORRC Vernonia Marathon
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Event overview
The ORRC Vernonia Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay takes place on April 12, 2026 in Banks, Oregon (12850 NW Main Street). The event offers these distances:
- Marathon 26.2 miles
- Half Marathon
- ORRC Vernonia Marathon 4 Person Relay
- ORRC Vernonia Marathon 2 Person Relay
Both the marathon and half marathon courses are USATF certified. The marathon is a net-downhill Boston qualifier and much of the route follows the Banks-Vernonia State Trail. All finishers receive a custom pair of Vernonia Fitsoks and a finisher medal. Optional long-sleeve tech shirts are available by pre-order for an additional fee.
Course, logistics and rules
The marathon is point-to-point, starting near Vernonia, running around Vernonia Lake, then onto the Banks-Vernonia State Trail and finishing at the Banks High School track. About 21 miles run along the paved rails-to-trails corridor. The half marathon starts inside Stub Stewart State Park and joins the trail. Aid stations with water, Gatorade, GU, and snacks are placed regularly on both courses; paper cups will be provided and reusable cups are encouraged.
The race provides shuttle buses from Banks to the start areas, drop-bag service, packet pickup at Banks Middle School, post-race soup and baked potatoes, and free showers at Banks Middle School. The relay is offered in 2- and 4-person formats with a 7-hour team limit; only the final relay bib is chipped. The course remains open to other trail users and some road crossings remain open to traffic, so participants must follow flaggers and race instructions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.