Vernonia Marathon & Half Marathon

Imagine running a beautiful, tree-lined course along the 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail. Both events feature a gentle 7-mile, 400-foot downhill into Banks. Pancake breakfast awaits all attendees. This Boston Marathon qualifier is run on a point-to-point course, with 23 miles closed to vehicular traffic.

2017 Weather Updates

Please see ORRC’s Facebook page for the latest updates on 2017 weather conditions. Click here.

Registration and Fees

2017 registration is open – click here.

Volunteering

If you’re interested in volunteering for this event, please email us at volunteer@oregonroadrunnersclub.org. For more information on ORRC volunteer opportunities, click here.

Start Times

Marathoners (runners and walkers) start at 8 a.m.
Half marathoners (runners and walkers) start at 9 a.m.

The course closes at 3 p.m. (7 hours).

Course Descriptions

The Marathon Course

The marathon starts at Cedar Ridge Retreat Center in Vernonia, goes around the lake, and proceeds onto the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, and finishes at Banks High School on the track. Most of the course runs along the paved trail, through scenic woods on an abandoned railroad bed. The course is mostly flat, with a gradual uphill from Miles 9 to 13 and downhill from Mile 14 to 21, where it is flat to the finish. The trail crosses several roads, but is otherwise closed to traffic; traffic control will be provided. Aid stations and potties at Miles 2, 4, 7, 10, 12, 13, 15.5, 19, 21.5, 23 and 25. There will be water, Gatorade, Gu, plus sweet and salty snacks at each aid station. If marathoners are unable to reach the aid station at Crossman Road (Mile 23) by 2:30 p.m. they will be pulled from the course.
Download the Banks Vernonia trail map and download the course map – This course is USATF certified, and is a Boston qualifier.

The Half Marathon Course

The half marathon starts inside Stub Stewart State Park at Hilltop and joins the Banks-Vernonia State Trail at Mile 2, and finishes at Banks High School on the track. Most of the course runs along the paved trail, through scenic woods on an abandoned railroad bed. The course is uphill for the first mile, downhill until mile 7 and flat to the finish. The trail crosses several roads, but is otherwise closed to traffic; traffic control will be provided. Aid stations and potties at Miles 2, 5.5, 8 ,10.5 and 12. There will be water, Gatorade, Gu, and sweet and salty snacks at each aid station.

Download the Banks Vernonia trail map and download the course map.

Results and Photos

Past results and photos are available – click here.

Awards

Vernonia Finish Line Plaques to the overall male and female winners and the overall male and female masters winners. The top five finishers in each five year age group will earn ribbons. The walk is noncompetitive. Awards will not be mailed. All finishers will receive a medal. Hot soup, baked potatoes, beverages, and snacks will be at Banks Middle School (BMS) after the race. The awards ceremonies and random prize raffles (running gear and pies) will be at 12:30 p.m. and at 1:30 p.m. Showers will be available for free. Bring your own towel.

Race Logistics

Buses and Bags

The race is point-to-point. Participants will park in Banks and be bussed to their respective starts. Park at Banks Middle School, at Sunset Speedway Park, at Banks Elementary, or on city streets. The first bus for the marathon leaves Banks Middle School at 6:15 a.m. and the last bus to Vernonia (the marathon start) leaves at 7 a.m. The first bus for the half marathon leaves at 7 a.m. and the last bus to Stub Stewart (the half start) leaves at 8 a.m. If you miss the last bus you are responsible for getting yourself to the start. You may have someone drop you at the start, but you need to either pick up your bib/chip in Banks, or at the start line just before the starting time. Drop bags will be provided at the start areas and brought to the finish line. Lost and found items will be brought to BMS. There will be sweepers on the course to check for injuries and direct people to the nearest trailhead if they are hurt or unable to finish in the time allowed. Transportation will be provided as needed.

Where to Cheer

Friends and family who want to cheer their runner/walker can access the course at the trailheads. Download a map of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail for details. There is limited parking at Cedar Ridge (marathon start) and Stub Stewart (the half marathon start). There are bleachers and limited parking at the Banks HS track (where both races finish).

Where to Stay

Vernonia has several Bed & Breakfasts. Banks has no motels. Forest Grove, just seven miles from Banks, has several motels and B & Bs. Hillsboro, just ten miles from Banks, also has several motels. You can google this information, or contact the race director and he will send you a list.

Sling Backpack

A limited edition sling backpack is included in the registration fee. Only the first 750 pre-registered participants are guaranteed a backpack. Day of race entrants get backpacks as quantities last.” Register early to get yours!

More Results and Timing Information

This race is chip timed. Be sure to cross the mats at the start and the finish. Live race results can be viewed on the mobile friendly web page http://hubertiming.com/results/2017Vernonia

Packet Pick-up

Early packet pickup is available at Banks Middle School (12850 NW Main Street, Banks OR 97106) on Saturday, April 8 from 3 to 6 p.m. NOTE it is not at Banks Elementary School as it was last year.

Headphone Policy

The use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, ORRC encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of the event.

Strollers/Dogs/Age Limit/Bikes

• Strollers, baby joggers or similar devices are permitted, but should start in the back of the pack.
• Dogs are not permitted.
• We discourage anyone younger than 15 from running this event.
• The trail is open other runners, walkers and bicyclists, so please be mindful of others on the trail to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.