ORRC Vernonia Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay

Embark on a scenic journey through the lush Oregon landscape at the ORRC Vernonia Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay on April 12, 2026, in Banks, OR. This event is renowned for its picturesque, USATF-certified courses, largely tracing the paved Banks-Vernonia State Trail, an old railroad bed winding through dense, beautiful forests and past the gleaming Nehalem River. Runners consistently praise the course for its beauty and its potential for personal bests.

Both the full (26.2M) and half (13.1M) marathons offer a distinctive point-to-point experience, culminating with a triumphant finish on the track at Banks High School. The marathon begins at the Cedar Ridge Retreat Center in Vernonia, looping around Vernonia Lake before joining the trail, while half marathoners start at Hilltop in Stub Stewart State Park. The courses feature a generally gentle, "mostly flat" profile with strategic downhill sections, including a significant drop of over 600 feet across miles 13-22 for marathoners and a "mostly downhill" back half for the half marathon. With much of the route closed to vehicular traffic, it provides a serene, nature-immersed running environment, although runners should be mindful of shared trail use with bicyclists and hikers. Typical race day conditions in April offer pleasant highs around 60°F and lows near 39°F, with only a 12% chance of precipitation, creating ideal running weather.

The ORRC Vernonia races are well-supported, featuring ample aid stations providing water, Gatorade, Gu, and a variety of sweet and salty snacks, along with convenient potties. Marathoners can enjoy complimentary coffee at the start, and the event promotes sustainability by offering reusable cups. Post-race, runners are welcomed with comforting hot soup, baked potatoes, and refreshing hot showers, ensuring a rewarding conclusion to their effort. This event stands out not only for its scenic beauty and fast course but also as a Boston Marathon qualifier, making it a compelling choice for both competitive and recreational runners seeking a memorable spring race.