ORRC Vernonia Marathon
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Event overview
The ORRC Vernonia event on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Banks, Oregon, offers a marathon, a half marathon, and 2- and 4-person marathon relays. Events and distances:
- 26.2 miles - Marathon (point-to-point, Boston qualifier, USATF certified)
- 13.1 miles - Half marathon (USATF certified)
- Relay - 2-person and 4-person teams (total marathon distance divided into four legs)
Awards are given to top finishers and teams in official divisions. All participants receive custom Vernonia Fitsoks and a finisher medal; relay participants also receive socks and medals. An awards ceremony, raffle, post-race food, and free showers are provided at Banks Middle School.
Course, logistics and services
The marathon starts near Vernonia (Cedar Ridge area), loops around Vernonia Lake, then follows the Banks-Vernonia State Trail for about 21 miles before finishing on the Banks High School track. The half marathon starts at Stub Stewart State Park Hilltop Day Use Area, joins the trail at Mile 2.4, and finishes at the Banks High School track. The marathon course includes a gradual uphill (miles 9-13), a downhill section (miles 14-21), and flat running to the finish. The relay legs are approximately 4.65, 8.45, 5.3, and 7.8 miles; teams have a 7-hour time limit.
The course is point-to-point with shuttle buses from Banks and designated parking areas. Aid stations with water, Gatorade, Gu, and snacks, plus portable toilets, are placed roughly every 2 to 3 miles. Drop bags are transported from the starts to the finish. The race is chip timed and results are published after the event. Rules note sharing the trail with other users, restricted use of personal music devices, and that strollers and dogs are not permitted. Registration is non-refundable but may be transferred to a future ORRC event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.