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December 3, 2012
The 2013 Eugene Marathon
October 10, 2012
Strategic PR Plan, Research Report and Implementation Materials
Submitted by University of Oregon, School of Journalism and Communication,
PR Campaigns Team
Sent 10/17/12
Team Members:
Taylor Stafford
Jackson Phillips
Avi Kasperzyk
Jordan Paul
(503) 367-8197
(510) 862-7174
(206) 327-5117
(253) 640-5318
t.stafford@me.com
jphillip@uoregon.edu
avi@uoregon.edu
jordanp@uoregon.edu
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December 3, 2012
Table of Contents
Background
3
Situation Analysis
3
Key Opportunity
4
Key Publics
4
Key Messages
4
Target Audience: Out of Town Participants
5
Target Audience: University of Oregon Students
6
Research Report In-depth Interviews
8
Research Report Surveys
9
Research Findings – In-depth Interviews
10
Appendix A
12
Appendix B
22
Appendix C
29
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Background
The Eugene Marathon began in 2007. The race has quickly grown and is now recognized in
the Top 10 Greenest races in North America as well as one of the Top 10 Best New
Marathons by Runner’s World. According to the 2012 race data, there were more than 530
runners competing in the 5K, 3,721 in the half marathon and 2,357 that ran the full for a
total of more than 8,200 runners registered for the Eugene Marathon.
By many, Eugene is considered to be the “mecca” of North American running due to its rich
history in track and field. Because of this, many view the Eugene Marathon as a “bucket list”
marathon. The Eugene Marathon is sponsored by Krusteaz, Cliff Bar and the Oregon Track
Club among others. The main magazines that provide the Eugene Marathon with media
coverage are Race Center Northwest, Outdoors Northwest, Adventures Northwest and
Runners World.
The Eugene Marathon consistently hosts participants from across the country, with a
majority of registered runners living in the Pacific Northwest. The race typically targets
outdoor enthusiasts ranging from ages 35 to 45. One of the main issues that the Eugene
Marathon seems to be facing is its lack of media coverage. Race savvy individuals are aware
of the marathon but because of the lack of overall awareness the races’ numbers have
declined in recent years. In our meeting with Courtney Hall and Tate Kelley both agreed
that part of this issue could be attributed to a lack of a consistent social media presence. As
this report will discuss, many other marathons have much more consistent content pre and
post race that is being pushed out through social media channels. The Eugene Marathon is
a well-regarded race and with improved strategic public relations it will continue to build
upon its strong reputation.
Situation Analysis
Based on our research and meeting with the Eugene Marathon, we have discovered that
one of their biggest strengths is their location and partnership with the University of
Oregon. During our meeting, it was discussed that the Eugene Marathon has become a
“Bucket List” race for runners. This is because of Eugene’s title as “Track Town USA” and
the history involved with the city. The University is where legendary track coach Bill
Bowerman teamed up with one of his runners, Phil Knight, to create Nike. Their
contributions would change sports forever and help make Hayward Field one the of the
most historic track venues in the world. Eugene, as a whole, provides some of the most well
kept running trails in the country, as well as a beautiful background for the marathon.
The Eugene Marathon does encounter several opportunities it can take advantage of in its
overall structure. The organization is in major need of a public relations overhaul to be able
to strategically utilize new media. Their social media outlets are lacking consistent content,
which results in limited views and followers. Another weakness would be their ability to
successfully tap into the student body of the University of Oregon, which can be remedy by
reaching out to different student groups and organizations.
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The biggest identified threat to the organizations ability to expand race participation lies in
the lack of accommodations within the city of Eugene, limiting the number of out-of-town
participants. The lack of lodging accommodations could potentially cause a drop in out-oftown participation moving into the future, especially if participants aren’t given multiple
recommendations and options.
The ability for the race to expand is something that we have found through our research. By
targeting the student body at the University of Oregon race numbers have the ability to
increase dramatically. Also, there are improvements to the race formatting that can take
place in order to create an enhanced experience for participants.
We are recommending a public relations campaign and overhaul to help ensure that the
Eugene Marathon is properly reaching out to all potential participants by maximizing their
social media channels, providing thorough information to all out of town participants about
the city and it’s lodging opportunities, and tapping into the vast student population from
the University of Oregon to ensure greater student participation.
Key Opportunity
To engage with the 24,447 University of Oregon student body to increase marathon
participation.
Key Publics
Students: The first key public we are targeting is University of Oregon students. We chose
students because -with more than 24,447 at the UO- this is essentially an untapped market
that the Eugene Marathon could focus on in order to increase the number of runners who
take part in the marathon, with a focus on the 5K as well as the half marathon. There are
also 2,400 students involved in Greek life with 24 fraternities and 20 sororities. Lastly, we
will target the 41 club sports teams.
Runners outside of Eugene: The second key public is runners from outside of Eugene. By
making a concentrated effort and promoting towards this demographic, the amount of
exposure the Eugene Marathon will increase and thus ensure that it will accomplish its
goals of increasing participation.
Key Messages
Students: For the betterment of the sport, the community, and yourself.
Runners outside of Eugene: Key Message: Let History Inspire you - “running with
legends”
Secondary Messages
Students: By completing the Eugene Marathon you will not only get in great shape, you will
also support a local event and support the Eugene community.
Runners outside of Eugene: Due to Hayward Field’s historic roots you will be able to say
that you ran on the same tracks of past greats like Steve Prefontaine.
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Target Audience: Out of Town Participants
Goal & Objectives
Goal: For the Eugene Marathon to show increasing participation by runners living outside
of the Eugene area.
Objective: Increase the participation of non-Eugene residents by 10 percent by April 27,
2013.
Strategies & Tactics
Strategy 1:
We will revitalize and renew the social media efforts of the Eugene Marathon and its
involvement with out of town participants and integrate the history behind Tracktown
USA. The result will be a social media campaign through Facebook, Twitter and the Eugene
Marathon website that will highlight historical moments at Hayward throughout past years
from the “26 Eugene Legends” listed on the website. Based on the timeline for registration,
this campaign would be most effective beginning as soon as possible and will continue until
the event. This message combined with the social media efforts will create more interest
and buzz around the history of running in Eugene. This will capitalize on the main interest
point of out of town participants – the history.
The Eugene Marathon will interact with individuals from out of town through Facebook
and Twitter and directly respond to their posts by highlighting the location they are from
and what they are talking about. For Tweets and Facebook posts relating to this campaign
we will use the hashtag #RunWithLegends to generate traffic and conversation around the
event and the historical moments posted on these channels. This will create two-way
conversation between potential participants and the Eugene Marathon enabling people to
post their own examples of historical moments at Hayward.
Tactic 1:
 Post weekly a historical moment from the “26 Eugene Legends” on Facebook and
Twitter with the hashtag #RunWithLegends.
 Retweet Twitter responses or interactions around #RunWithLegends.
Tactic 2:
 Respond to any and all relevant questions and inquiries on Facebook and Twitter.
Tactic 3:
 Retweet all out of town participants Tweets.
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Tactic 4:
 Tweet and post on Facebook about the different out of town locations people are
coming from (i.e. cities, states)
Tactic 5:
 Tweet and/or post on Facebook accommodations special packages or features (like
race transportation) as they become available.
Evaluation:
Participation: Compare the number of out of state participants with the previous year's out
of state statistics.
Social Media: Compare the number of Twitter followers and conversations around Eugene
marathon at the time of the event with current statistics. Do the same for Facebook except
in the terms of Facebook posts and page likes. Check Facebook analytics for geographic
origin and overall activity. Check website analytics for geographic origin and general
activity. When posting a link to the Eugene Marathon website, use a shortened url (through
bitly.com) to see how many website visits come from twitter or Facebook
Strategy 2:
We will distribute newsletters to out of town participants that includes information to ease
the process of coming from out of town. The email newsletters will be distributed to all
who request it through the website, email or social media. The newsletter will include
information about local restaurants, transportation, parking and hotels. Additionally, a new
feature in the email newsletter will be links to the Facebook and Twitter pages. Based on
our research, most people still prefer to get information about the event through
newsletters. Incorporating links to the Eugene Marathon social media channels in the
newsletters will increase traffic to these channels and generate followers and likes.
Tactic 1:
 Include links to the Facebook and Twitter pages in the electronic newsletters.
Tactic 2:
 Post a link to Facebook and Twitter to the electronic newsletter so that everyone
that uses those channels can view it versus only people on the email list.
Evaluation: Measure and compare the number of newsletter openings from this year to
the previous year. Track how many newsletters were opened as a result of Facebook and
Twitter. Track how many times people viewed the Facebook or Twitter pages from the
newsletter. Record and track retweets and mentions the Eugene Marathon receives.
Determine effectiveness of newsletter by tracking website effectiveness.
Target Audience: University of Oregon Students
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Goal: For the Eugene Marathon to be successful it must increase awareness among
University of Oregon students.
Objective: Increase student registration for the Eugene Marathon’s events 10 percent by
April 27, 2013.
Strategy 1:
We will take our key message and apply it to the University of Oregon’s student-body as a
motivational tool to encourage them to participate in one of the races that are offered. Our
goal of increasing awareness of The Eugene Marathon among University of Oregon
students will result in an increase of student participants. To accomplish this, we believe,
the Eugene Marathon must increase in person promotions at specific campus locations.
Given the deadlines for the 2013 Eugene Marathon registration, it will be important to
begin in person promotions as soon as possible.
The university has several strategic locations that see heavy foot traffic and are great
locations to promote the Eugene Marathon. The first location is the Duck Store. This is in a
location on the campus where many buses pick up and drop off students for class, which
results in a high level of students in one location. The second place where we will conduct
in person promotions is the Erb Memorial Union, referred to as the EMU by the student
population. The EMU is home to the student union where we find a highly populated
student area. The last place we will conduct an in person promotion will be the Student
Recreation Center. This is an important place to have a promotion, because we will be
promoting to groups of students who are physically active and more likely to participate.
Tactic 1:
Place in person promotions at areas around the University that experience high levels of
foot traffic each day. Set up booths 2 months in advance of event and give students
promotional materials like pamphlets and or race related swag. Get students to interact
with the booths in order to have the Eugene Marathon evoke a positive and fun image and
connotation.
 Duck Store
 EMU
 Student Recreation Center
Evaluation and Measurement:
Use statistical analysis to determine whether the goals we have set throughout our
campaign have been met. In order to measure effectiveness of booths, measure the number
of students stopping by the booths, number of promotional items given away, number of
students signing up for an email newsletter or indicating an interest in volunteering to help
with the race.
Strategy 2:
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The Eugene Marathon is a race that contains several separate races. The majority of the
student population is currently under the impression there is only a marathon. We believe
that to change this mindset we must increase the awareness of the different type of races
provided by the Eugene Marathon within the student population. For this to be most
effective, we will begin to inform the student body immediately. This increase in awareness
has the potential to increase overall participation in each race that is provided by the
Eugene Marathon.
To achieve a raised level in the awareness of the student population, we will tap into
different student groups. Prior to doing this, we must utilize social media to inform
students that the Eugene Marathon will be at specific locations. A large student group on
the university’s campus we will communicate this to is Club Sports. They are filled with
athletic students who take pleasure in physical activity and will be more inclined to take
part in an event in the Eugene Marathon. Another student group we will seek out is the
university’s Greek community. This is a concentrated population of students who represent
a significant portion of the entire student body. In addition, students in the Greek
community are also looking for an opportunity to volunteer and assist the community,
which is due to community service requirements.
Tactics:
Tactic 1:
 Pre-promote where on campus sign up locations and in person promotions will be
via Eugene Marathon’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Tactic 2:
 Communicate the message that the Eugene Marathon is in fact comprised of several
different races to key student groups at the University:
 Greek community
 Club Sports
Evaluation and Measurement:
Use statistical analysis to determine whether the goals we have set throughout our
campaign have been met. Use measurement tools such as number of emails send via
listserv, number of promotional materials provided (flyers, registration announcements
and/or discount offers, measurement of any other promotional tools.
Research Report
In-depth Interviews
Over the last two weeks in October, we conducted 12 in-depth interviews with people who
had competed in a marathon or a similar event within the past year. Five of our
participants competed in the Eugene Marathon in April, and two ran the marathon in
Portland.
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The rest of our respondents ran similar sized marathons and races around the country. We
chose these people because we wanted to get information from a variety of events. Since
they have all competed in these races over the past year, they had their experiences fresh in
their minds.
Our team talked to people who have competed in Texas, Arizona, and California to have an
idea of how races in other states are communicating with runners leading up to the event.
We asked them what kind of interaction, if any, they had with the race they competed in.
This aspect could be considered an extension of the best practices research we previously
conducted. It let us know how people prefer to interact with this type of event.
We also wanted to find out what inspired people to compete in these races so we could
generate messaging that will attract runners to the Eugene Marathon. Another main focus
was finding out what the particular events did that would ensure the runners return the
following year.
Most people we interviewed said the reason they competed in their event was to fulfill
personal goals, their passion for running, and to stay fit. Another common theme with this
question was family. People were inspired by their parents and siblings who were also
competing in the races. In Eugene specifically, people were highly inspired by the rich
running history the city has to offer and felt a great source of motivation by finishing in
Hayward Field. One thing Eugene seems to have the upper hand on (compared to other
races) is the tremendous support of local fans. Multiple participants stated a reason they
would definitely return is the amazing fan support and "lively atmosphere." Among
students, a common motivating factor to run an event like the Eugene Marathon was to stay
fit. Students that had participated in the full marathon noted that they would definitely run
next year, but it would be the half or 5K because training for a full took too much time. We
expected this, and therefore recommend advertising the 5K and half marathon on campus.
The main form of interaction between runners and the events was through email
newsletter distribution. While this is effective in reaching a large number of people, many
runners noted they would like to see more marathons actively participate on social media.
According to one Eugene participant, "I'm pretty active on social networking sites and I
think races could promote very productively with that style of communication." We have
included in our plan how the Eugene Marathon can more effectively utilize social media.
Surveys
We distributed two surveys over a two-week period from October 17 to October 31. The
student survey was designed to reach the University of Oregon student audience and
measure their levels of awareness with Eugene Marathon and preferred means of
communication. The general survey was written for a wider audience, primarily those
aware of Eugene Marathon or who have participated in the event. We used Qualtrics in
order to conduct the surveys.
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The student survey had a total of 88 completed responses. It was distributed by status
posts on the Eugene Marathon Facebook and Twitter account, team member Facebook
posts, and class email blasts. Fifty percent of participants had never run a distance race in
their lifetime, while 77% heard of Eugene Marathon. This number was more than we
expected, and the majority who were aware said that word of mouth was the primary
reason. The results also suggest that the student audience is more willing to get involved
given a few deciding factors: 80% said they are more willing to participate if running for a
charitable cause; 75% said they are more willing to volunteer even if they did not run; and
60% said they are more willing to participate with a group rather than individually.
Although students seem to be agreeable about the opportunities presented by Eugene
Marathon, there are also a few obstacles. Seventy four percent of responses listed
registration fees as a complication with the race. The second highest response rate was
weather (54%) and distance (54%). This may be because 50% of the survey participants
had never run a distance race. The data supports our expectation that the 5k and half
marathon race would be the most appealing to students, given a 60% (5k) and 30% (half
marathon) willingness response rate. The most effective way to improve communications
to students about Eugene Marathon weekend would be through email (57%) and Facebook
(27%). Providing consistent content that engaged their interests would give a boost to
participation and awareness based on the data. -- A research report wouldn’t necessarily
provide recommendations – that comes through in the strategic plan either in the situation
analysis and/or in the strategy. Re-word this sentence to say that the survey showed that
preferred communication about events (among students) was email (57%) and Facebook
(27%).
The general survey had a total of 259 responses. It was sent out to Eugene Marathon’s
email subscriber list which consisted of more then 4,000 individuals and posted on their
Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as on their website. The purpose of the survey was
to gather information about best practices and how to improve communications with this
audience. The majority of participants are serious runners and register for the full (47%)
or half (39%) marathon. Although 80% are aware that this is a Boston qualifying race, only
13% answered that qualifying for another race is a motivating factor to register. Having
the event held in a historical venue (54%) or being local/in-state (53%) are the leading
motivators. Only 21% answered that it was a travel opportunity. We found it interesting
that, unlike students (80%), this audience was only 24% more willing to participate for a
charitable cause. However, this audience can also compare to students with the majority
answering registration fees (56%) as the leading discouragement from the race. Twenty six
percent answered “Other” as the next biggest discouragement, with the majority listing
possible injury as the reason. This could suggest that participants perceive the race as a
health risk. Lodging/accommodation availability followed with 17% suggesting a high
concern, considering that the majority of survey participants happen to be local/in-state.
The Eugene Marathon can ease some of the concern from this audience by improving
communications although 88% prefer to be communicated through email, only 54%
believe this to be their best form. Another 10% like to communicate through social media.
By refining their email and social media platforms, Eugene Marathon will effectively reach
nearly 100% of this audience.
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Research Findings – In-depth Interviews
Interview Question Guidelines:
1. What marathon (city) did you run and what event (5K, ½, or full)?
2. What was your inspiration to run this race?
3. Would you come back and run this race again? Why or why not?
4. Did you have any interaction w/marathon prior to the event?
If so, through what channels? (social media, email, etc.)
5. Had you run in a similar event before?
6. What did your training (if any) consist of for this race?
7. What stood out that the marathon did well or could improve on in general?
(feel free to add additional questions you want to ask)
When conducting our interviews, we used these questions to guide the conversations. For
those interviews we conducted via email, these are the questions that were sent. We also
called the email respondents to brief them on the interview and what we are trying to
accomplish with this project. Here is our general transcripts of our interviews.
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Appendix A
Eugene Marathon General Survey Report
Last Modified: 11/01/2012
1. The Eugene Marathon events (scheduled for April 26-28 next year) include a
marathon, half marathon, and 5K race. If you considered participating in one of the
Eugene Marathon events, which would you choose? (253 respondents)
December 3, 2012
2. If you’ve been involved in the Eugene Marathon in the past, which has been the
best form of communication? (253 respondents)
Other (Please describe)
Both? General info best on Social media, official on email.
Word of mouth
Supported participants
3. How would you prefer to be contacted by the Eugene Marathon? (253
respondents)
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December 3, 2012
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Email
223
88%
2
Facebook or
Twitter
25
10%
3
Other
5
2%
Total
253
100%
Other
Both? General info best on Social media, official on email.
None
Not at all
Both e-mail for personal communication & twitter for general breaking updates
4. Are you aware that the Eugene Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying race?
(253 respondents)
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5. What would be your motivating factor for you to participate in a Eugene Marathon
event? (Check all that apply) (253 respondents)
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Other (Please describe)
Cost and time
Beautiful and enjoyable course
Nice course
Used to live in Eugene
Flat & Fast
Relatively flat course, opportunity to practice
Attended University of Oregon.
Fun challenge
Excellent course and race organization
Ability to host out of town friends for a marathon weekend
Team in Training
Time of year/date of race
Good competition, going for PR
Time to spend with friends
Weather
Target race for local training
Visit my mom who lives in Eugene
Race date fitting my training schedule
Health
Nice flat, fast course, and well-run.
My parents also run the Eugene Marathon and it's a fun excuse to come visit and a great activity to
do together
Alma mater
For the love of running!
Past race was first class
It's a fast course at a low-key location
Large race, combined with marathon, good energy, close to family
Quality of the race, fans, and organization
Timing - half marathon spring, full marathon fall
Fun
50 states club
It’s Track Town, USA. Seems like perfect place to run my first full.
Finishing on Hayward Field
Almost sea level, flat, weather
Cost
To complete a marathon
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How fun the event seems
Running area is beautiful
I’ve heard it's flat and fast
Reason to go home
Have participated since the start
Personal reasons
My co-workers first got me in to doing it
An opportunity to become more physically fit
Health + camaraderie
Type of course: sea level, flat, and you don't have to take a bus ride out to the start line
Fun
None
Fun scenic town
Volunteering
Hometown, and I have family in the area, so can stay with them
Coincides with my birthday and close to home
Personal goal
Just to do it... also significant other usually participates
First Marathon
Bucket list race
6. Would you be more inclined to participate if you were running to raise money for
a charitable cause? (253 respondents)
December 3, 2012
7. What would deter you from running a race? (Check all that apply) (253
respondents)
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December 3, 2012
Other (Please describe)
If I am well trained
Running injury, duh
Injury
Hills
Nothing
injury
Raising the price of the FOR PROFIT event. It is getting too expensive.
running training injury!
Nothing
Injury
Work conflict
Personal schedule
Injury
Injury
Health--training
Poorly designed course
Only if I were sick
If it didn't fit with personal training plan.
Warm weather and high lodging costs
Date of race
Lack of running motivation!
Poor health-factor in 2012
Hills
Injury
Health
Too close in date with other races
Injury or nerves
Broken toe (happened on the drive to Eugene last year!)
Based on previous experience with the event
Injury
Date
Out of shape for race
Too corporate of an event. For example, R&R series.
Injury
Terrain/elevation
Overall quality of the event, or 'lack of'
19
December 3, 2012
Not finishing in Hayward Field
Not much!
Hilly course
Disorganized
Boring course
Injury
Time restrictions
lack of tolerance for slower pace racers
N/a
Surgery on my foot again
Injury
Price
Shoddy management of the race in general
Concern of injury
Type of course
Injury
Out of shape
Running in general
INJURY!
Injury
I am choosing between Eugene and Big Sur
General Fear of ability.
Cost to fly
Inconvenient start/finish access
Lack of training
20
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8. On a scale of 1-5 how would you describe your level of activity? 1 meaning couch
potato, 5 meaning daily workout (253 respondents)
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December 3, 2012
Appendix B
Eugene Marathon Student Survey Report
Last Modified: 11/01/2012
1. Have you ever heard of the Eugene Marathon? (If yes describe how) (88
Respondents)
December 3, 2012
Yes
Client
T-shirts, posters
Ran it
Friend ran it last year
Starting training for it with a friend freshman year
I, along with my girlfriend and friends have ran in it.
Friends running it.
I've ran it
Friends
Through friends
Friend
On campus banners, Facebook and Twitter. Word of mouth as well.
From friends
a friend.
Newspaper
Roommates ran it last year.
Advertising around town
People in it
Life long resident of Eugene area
It runs right by my apartment every year
Posters
My friend ran it/ it blocks traffic
Applied to internship there.
Newspaper, word of mouth
Friends
Friend ran it
Seeing it
Friend
Participated
Facebook
Have friends that run it
Roommate ran it
Friends
In class
I've had friends who participated, see signs around Eugene
When I lived in the dorms
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December 3, 2012
Radio, social media, etc.
My friends participated in it.
Social media
Friend
Ambassadors
Advertising and working on the pre classic
I ran in it
I have done the 1/2 marathon
Runners World
Student rec center
Acquainted with runners
Through word of mouth
Friend ran it
Friends
The rec
Friend
Friends and publicity throughout Eugene
Advertisement
I know people who've run it
2. Have you ever run a distance race? (88 Respondents)
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December 3, 2012
3. Next year’s Eugene Marathon events are scheduled for the weekend of April 2628. If you were interested in participating, which event would most interest you?
(Please check one) (88 Respondents)
4. What's your preferred means of communication? (Please check one) (88
Respondents)
25
December 3, 2012
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Other (Please describe)
Depends on whom I'm trying to communicate with.
Easiest
Phone
Phone
Radio ads
5. On a scale of 1-5 how would you describe your level of activity (88 Respondents)
6. If you were inclined to participate in a running race would you prefer
participating individually or in a group? (88 Respondents)
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7. Would you be more inclined to participate if you were running to raise money for
a charitable cause? (88 Respondents)
8. Would you be open to volunteering if you were not a participant? (88
Respondents)
December 3, 2012
9. What would deter you from running a race? (Check all that apply) (88
Respondents)
Other (Please describe)
Preparation
Injury
Personal abilities
There really is not an obstacle if you truly want to do it.
I hate running.
Distance from home or a non USATF certified course
Not wanting to run a race
Injury
28
December 3, 2012
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Appendix C
Interview 1) Brian Spere - Portland Marathon (Full)
-I wanted to challenge myself to push my body past what I thought it was capable of. I also
wanted to do it in honor of my Grandpa (mother's side), who passed away when I was in
5th grade and ran marathons until the year he died.
-Yes, I will probably run the Portland Marathon again. I want to run a marathon in under 4
hours, this year I ran a 4:17:44. The Portland Marathon was great for me because of all the
local support, the great scenery of the city I grew up in, and the fact that the course is quite
flat and considered to be relatively easy as far as marathons go, haha.
-The marathon would send me email updates in newsletter form on a monthly basis. I
didn't pay much attention to anything else they put out.
-Before this year, I had not run a race longer than 5k. In May I ran the Rock and Roll Half
Marathon in Portland, and shortly after decided I wanted to do a full and registered for the
Portland Marathon which took place October 7. As part of my training I ran another half,
the Wildwood Trail Half Marathon in Forest Park.
-For training I googled "marathon training schedule" and found the Hal Higdon Novice 1
schedule. It was an 18 week program that consisted of short, medium and long runs as well
as cross training and rest days. It did a great job of preparing my body for the pounding
that 26.2 miles of pavement gives you.
-The one thing the marathon could improve on, although logistically difficult, would be to
stage more restrooms at the start area. At every big race I've ran, there always seems to be
a problem of 30-45 minute waits at the start line and there usually isn't enough time fore
everyone to get in before the race starts. This happened to me at the Portland Marathon
and I ended up having to stop around 6 miles in and use the restroom, haha.
-The hardest part of the marathon for me was hitting the famous "wall" that all runners
experience. The problem with this is that you can't predict when it will hit, but its usually
around mile 18-23 for most runners. For me, it was at mile 21 and from there on out it is
all mental. Pushing through the pain and forcing your body to keep moving, when taking a
walk break means you start cramping and running means you feel every pebble in the
asphalt through your shoes. Its the hardest thing to train for but also one of the things that
makes finishing a marathon so rewarding.
Interview 2) Garrett Pemstein (Student – Eugene, OR)
- Eugene Half Marathon 2012
- I’ve never been a runner, but I always like to challenge myself. And after having a friend
run the full marathon the year before, it inspired me and I decided that was going to be my
next challenge for myself. Plus I had the mentality that I am only young and stupid once, so
why not try and kill myself while my body can still take the beating.
- Only interaction was through my friend who ran it the year previously and then once I
signed up, I got emails from the race giving me tips on how I should prepare.
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- I ran a 10K once in 8th grade at my middle school. Its a big race they have each year and
you need to qualify for it by running a mile in under a certain time in P.E.
- I definitely should have trained a lot more than I actually did. I never went on very long
runs, my longest run in training for the race couldn't have been more than 5 miles. What I
did was practiced on the treadmill on a lower speed but for a long period of time, so I got
use to being on my feet for long time.
- I really enjoyed my time running the race. All the Eugene locals were out in full force
supporting everyone running. It was an awesome experience. One thing that I found
puzzling was I didn't see any medical personnel while running the race. I know there was
one medical booth at one of the water stations, but not one the race route. While running
the race I saw some guy pull up lame with a pulled quad muscle or cramping and it looked
like he could use some medical attention, but there was no one around. So he tried to walk
it off, but he didn't get very far.
-I would highly encourage people to run the Eugene Marathon or half. It was a beautiful and
clean route, and the air quality is amazing in Eugene. So breathing came really easy; I was
glad I didn't have to be inhaling a ton of smog.
Interview 3) Aaron Kohen (Teacher – Calabasas, CA)
- Sedona, AZ 2012 – full marathon
- Location and training schedule
- Maybe - expense location but invigorating locale
-Website only
- Yes - top of Utah marathon 2011
- 20 week training plan of 40-50 miles per week in 5-6 runs
- it was well-organized and had decent food/drinks at end; -What marathon (city) did you
run and what event (5K, ½, or full)?
Interview 4) Jackson’s Relative
Marathon history?
I've done 4 marathons in Austin. Probably 8 1/2 marathons. I don't do too many 5ks.
-What was your inspiration to run this race?
I returned to distance running because it was a way to get back into track at an older age.
After a year or so, I was able to run at paces close to what I could run in high school...but it
was fun to do a different event (that is friendlier to the body).
I also turned to distance running because it is incredibly relaxing. There is nothing like the
endorphin rush received after a post 10 mile run.
-Would you come back and run this race again? Why or why not?
I have run the Austin marathon on two courses. The first course (2004) was much easier
(all downhill; also the 3M course for our 1/2 marathon). The new Austin marathon is much
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harder (a loop with hills). I am so happy not to travel that I will happily continue to run the
harder course in Austin.
Interview 5) Anonymous Female UO Student
-What marathon (city) did you run and what event (5K, ½, or full)?
Eugene Half Marathon/Sauvies Island Half Marathon
-What was your inspiration to run this race?
My friend could not run the Eugene half due to an injury, I knew I could do it I just had
never signed up for one (did it in her place). For the Sauvies Island my sister wanted to do
one and my friend came to town who I have talked about doing a half with so we all three
did it together.
-Would you come back and run this race again? Why or why not?
Yes. If I ran it again with other friends. Not if I was doing it by myself. The course wasn’t too
bad.
-Did you have any interaction w/marathon prior to the event?
I had never run a half before and I am far too lazy to train that often for a marathon. I have
friends that have done them before. I did Volunteer to work at the Portland marathon the
year before.
-If so, through what channels? (social media, email, etc.)
Friends
-Had you run in a similar event before?
I have done hood to coast 2 times and Portland to coast once. I do races ranging from 5K15K every so often. I run a lot on my own. I prefer not to pay to run every weekend though.
· What did your training (if any) consist of for this race?
None just my normal running which was pretty lacking- I found out the week of that I was
going to run in the race.
-What stood out that the marathon did well or could improve on in general?
I think just more bathroom availability. Everything else was great!
Interview 6) Haylie W. (UO Student)
- What marathon (city) did you run and what event (5K, ½, or full)?
Eugene Marathon (full)
-What was your inspiration to run this race?
My dad and just to stay fit.
·Would you come back and run this race again? Why or why not?
Yes, but not as a student. It took to much time to train for the full but I will do the ½ next
year
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· Did you have any interaction w/marathon prior to the event?
Ran Half marathon last year
· If so, through what channels? (social media, email, etc.)
Social media, Eugene Running Company is who I trained with
· Had you run in a similar event before?
Eugene Half marathon the previous year
· What did your training (if any) consist of for this race?
5-6 miles on weekdays and Sundays were our long days that would increase every week
· What stood out that the marathon did well or could improve on in general?
Water stations and friendly volunteers were really motivating
Interview 7) Kenzie W. Student
· What marathon (city) did you run and what event (5K, ½, or full)?
I ran the Eugene half Marathon, in Eugene Oregon- April 29th 2012.
· What was your inspiration to run this race?
I decided to run this race because I wanted remain active and sign myself up for something
that forced me to stay motivated. This was my first year not playing soccer and I wanted to
participate in this marathon as motivation to stay active and create a goal of finishing
under 2 hours. My twin sister and my Dad also ran this race so it was also fun for all of us to
train and talk about the race together.
·Would you come back and run this race again? Why or why not?
I’m totally going to run the Eugene Half Marathon race again this year! I thought about
running the full but decided against it. When I decide to run a full marathon I would like to
fully dedicate 100% of my time to it, but while in college I don’t think I would be able to do
that to the best of my ability.
· Did you have any interaction w/marathon prior to the event?
My dad has run 3 marathons and 2 triathlons. I have volunteered and watched him finish
his races. Participating in those events really motivated me to want to complete my own
race.
· If so, through what channels? (social media, email, etc.)
I honestly have not seen any of the races that I have participated actively use social media. I
would really like to see a change in that. I’m pretty active in social networking sites and I
think that races could promote very productively with that style of communication.
·Had you run in a similar event before?
I have participated in ‘Hood to Coast’ two times along with “Ragnar’ only one time. These
are races that include 12 people and between two vans you run from Mt. Hood to the
Oregon coast. It takes about 24 hours. It’s a different from a marathon experience but
definitely still a race.
· What did your training (if any) consist of for this race?
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I did not spend an excessive amount of training on this race because I have been running
since I can remember. I usually ran about 6-8 miles 3 times a week, and then on Sunday I
would run about 10 or 11.
· What stood out that the marathon did well or could improve on in general?
I personally really liked the scenic route of the race. I like running through the
neighborhood and streets of Eugene and then finishing through the Autzen trails, and of
course ending on Hayward. I also like how different organizations volunteered. I enjoyed
running and know that different local businesses and nonprofits were supporting the
Eugene Marathon.
Interview 8) Katavia Ames, 22, Female
-What marathon (city) did you run and what event (5K, ½, or full)?
I ran the 39th Annual Aquafina Butte to Butte and it was in Eugene & I participated in the
10K run.
-What was your inspiration to run this race?
My inspiration came from peer pressure and nagging to join a team of friends and
run/represent Snap Fitness of Eugene. So I signed up like a two weeks before the big event
and had little training and conditioning for this 10K race. I just wanted to try something
different on my 4th of July. Plus its a race I've always wanted to do but always chickened
out, so it was also my desire to try and challenge myself as well physically.
-Would you come back and run this race again? Why or why not?
I think I would run it again so I could improve on my time. So I would do it again just to
give myself a second chance to do better.
-Did you have any interaction w/marathon prior to the event?
If so, through what channels? (social media, email, etc.)
Prior to the event I did have interaction thru email, runnerspace.com and Facebook.
-Had you run in a similar event before?
I didn't run anything similar to the Butte to Butte. I have participated in the Susan G.
Komen race for the cure event and a 5K Midnight moonlight run in Eugene as well.
-What did your training (if any) consist of for this race?
I only had two weeks before the event to train, which was a very short time period to get
physically and mentally prepared for this kind of race. Most of my training was sprints
uphill, weight lifting and cross fit.
-What stood out that the marathon did well or could improve on in general?
Since it was my first time participating in the Butte to Butte I thought it went well overall.
Having food and water provided at the end was a plus. The only thing that could have been
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improved was the tents that held the race results for each individual runner, I wish it would
have been spread out on more then one tent or table so everybody got a chance to see the
results. Waiting in line and looking over shoulders wasn't my cup of tea. Also I didn't like
how congested it got at the end of the race when you were trying to come thru the finish
line, seemed like some people were either resting, walking or standing in the way of those
trying to get thru. Maybe try to improve that area of high congestion so things can go
smoothly for everybody.
Interview 9) Katherine, 22, Female
-Seattle Survivor Mud Run, 5k with obstacles
-Sounded like a fun time with friends
-Definitely. It was a really good time with my friends, not too strenuous, good food, music
and brews afterward.
-No not that I recall
-Yes, same event, two years in a row.
-Some running on a treadmill, nothing extreme, I was already in fairly good shape after
track season each year.
-The showers at the end of the race could have been much better, considering everyone
was completely covered in mud afterwards. The pre-race organization could have been
better in terms of paperwork etc. Other than that, everything ran pretty smoothly.
Interview 10) Hila David, 23, female
-What marathon (city) did you run and what event (5K, ½, or full)?
I have participated in several running events. The first 5k race I participated in was the
Silicon Valley Turkey Trot in San Jose, CA. My first 10K race was also the Silicon Valley
Turkey Trot in November 2011. I am 10 days away from participating in my first Sprint
Triathlon in Marin County, CA and hope to train for a half marathon in the near future.
-What was your inspiration to run this race?
I am a fairly new “runner”, if I could put myself into that category. About five years ago,
fitness and health became a large part of my life. I joined Weight Watchers and with that
came the need to partake in exercise and fitness. I never thought I would be able to run a
mile. My first month of running, I would be out of breathe from running down the block.
After a few months, I still dreaded it. After reaching my weight loss goal in Weight
Watchers, I wanted to set some tangible goals in my fitness. I told myself I would train and
complete a 5K race. And I did! I still remember the feeling I had when I crossed the finish
line. Until this day, running is a challenge for me but when I feel like quitting I remind
myself of the moment of crossing the finish line during my 5K and 10K races.
Since then, I have participated in several 5K events, including the Eugene Dirty Dash in July
2012. This event is set up with several obstacles in which participants have to conquer
while being drenched and soaked in MUD! As a Personal Trainer, I try to stay on top of the
latest and greatest fitness trends. It is so amazing that mud runs, color runs, Warrior
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Dashes are the new big thing! I believe it is an incredible way to get people out and live an
active lifestyle while having FUN!
-Would you come back and run this race again? Why or why not?
I would go back and run all of these races again! For one thing, I feel passionately about
running races that raise money for causes and often find them to be the most successful.
· Did you have any interaction w/marathon prior to the event?
If so, through what channels? (social media, email, etc.)
No.
· Had you run in a similar event before?
Yes.
· What did your training (if any) consist of for this race?
Due to time constraints, most of my training was done indoors on the treadmill although I
would highly suggest getting trainings groups, clubs together and participating in the race
together.
· What stood out that the marathon did well or could improve on in general?
While the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is constantly improving themselves, the most evident
part of the race that could have been improved was the starting line. It was extremely
crowded and felt almost dysfunctional. Races should work to ensure the fluidity of starting
points.
Interview 11) Hannah Stolpe- Student
What marathon(city) did you run and what event (5K, ½, or full)?
Eugene ½ Marathon
·What was your inspiration to run this race?
-My inspiration came from the goal of seeing how far I could push myself in a run. I also
developed a passion for running that year and felt like it was the next step on the path to a
full marathon.
·Would you come back and run this race again? Why or why not?
- I definitely ran it again the next year. It is very well organized, lively atmosphere, and
excellent snacks at the end
-Did you have any interaction w/marathon prior to the event?
No, This was my first race.
-If so, through what channels? (social media, email, etc.)
·Had you run in a similar event before?
Just short hurdle races in high school.
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·What did your training (if any) consist of for this race?
I enrolled in a 10K running class that term. We met twice a week. I am also in ROTC and we
run twice a week as well.
What stood out that the marathon did well or could improve on in general?
Ending on Hayward field is a positive for sure. It is a one of a kind way to end a half (or
full) marathon. It gives you motivation to finish the last 200 meters strong and smiling.
Interview 12) Male, Portland full Marathon
What was your inspiration?
-I am a lifelong runner. I use marathons to set and beat personal goals to stay motivated.
Would you come back to this event next year? Why or why not?
I would come back 100%. The hospitality was great, I felt welcome from the second I got
there.
Did you have any interaction with this event prior to race day?
I received info leading up to the event via email. I felt very prepared walking up to the race
having received weekly updates with event specifics and important info.
Did anything stand out the marathon did well in general? Anything they could improve on?
The communication was great leading up to the race. I felt informed. On race day, mile
markers were very visible, great water stations, and good snacks.