About the ORRC Vernonia Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay
The course runs point-to-point along the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, mostly on paved rails-to-trails path through dense forest. The marathon begins near a lake in Vernonia, builds through a gradual middle climb, then tilts downhill before flattening out toward the finish at a high school track. The half marathon drops steeply early, then settles into a long, gentle descent through the trees.
Parking is in Banks, with shuttle buses carrying runners to the respective start lines before the race begins. Packet pickup is the afternoon before at Banks Middle School, with race-morning pickup available at the same location. Warm food and hot showers are at the finish. Drop bags are accepted at the starts and returned to the finish line.