ORRC Vernonia Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay

New in 2024! We are offering a 2 or 4 person marathon relay. Your team will have 7 hours to complete the distance, divided in legs that are 4.65 miles (Camp Cedar Ridge to Anderson Park), 8.45 miles (Anderson Park to Tophill), 5.3 miles (Tophill to Buxton), and 7.8 miles (Buxton to Banks High School).  (The legs aren't equal because of trailhead parking logistics.) The course manual is below, but expect updates as the relay gets closer. All relay participants get a finisher medal and socks.  Participants and volunteers are welcome in the BMS cafeteria for post event food and raffle

Each four person team is required to provide one volunteer for the event.  Two person teams are encouraged, but not required to do so. Volunteers can also sign up on runsignup.com. See Volunteer section below for details.

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ORRC Vernonia Marathon Relay

Course Manual 2024

Registration
 

1)     You may walk or run in teams of two or four members.

2)     If you are an individual looking for a team, or a team in need of an extra runner/walker, contact the race director (Mbarretts@aol.com).

3)     Each team member must be registered and sign a waiver. Registrations are transferable if you want to drop/add a member to your team, but registration fees are not refundable. Contact the race director about any changes to the team roster; there is no charge for this. There is no day of race registration.

4)     ORRC will not provide refunds or transfers if the event is cancelled due to natural disasters (e.g. forest fires), acts of God or other events beyond our control. Registration may be transferred to another ORRC event.

5)     Team Divisions:  2 Person teams, Men’s Open Running, Men’s Masters Running, Women’s Open Running, Women’s Masters running,  and Walking. We may modify divisions based on the number and composition of teams that register.

6)     Awards:  Awards will be given to the fastest teams in each of the divisions listed above.  In addition, special awards will go to Best Team Name and Most Creative Costumes

Pre-Race
 

1)     Each four person team is required to provide one volunteer for the event.  Volunteer assignments are available at runsignup.com. See Volunteer section below for details.

2)     Be creative with your team name.  Be sassy, but keep it in good taste.  Ask yourself if your grandmother would find the name fun or offensive.  There is a special award for Best Team Name.

3)     Decorate the team vehicle if desired, but vehicles shouldn’t have decorations that are suggestive, sexual or contain foul language.  Create costumes to fit your team name, but keep them in good taste (and not too hot to wear while running).  There is a special award for Most Creative Costumes.

4)     Print and bring a copy of the course manual and leg maps.  There won’t be maps in the race packet unless there are changes.

5)     Bring sufficient supplies for your team.  Much of the course is isolated, so don’t leave home without food, water, a first aid kit, and a full tank of gas.  Each team is responsible for supporting its own members, but race officials can help as needed. Participants are welcome to avail themselves of food and drink at the aid stations while participating.

6)     Showers are available at Banks Middle School. Bring a change of clothes and a towel.

7)     Long Sleeve T-shirt: There is an optional tech T-shirt available for $20.  Hoodies are only guaranteed for those who order them during pre-registration. Shirts available on day of race while supplies last.

8) When you register, please indicate whether yours is a running or walking team.

9) Please contact the race director for any changes to your team.  There is no charge for this, but we want an accurate roster.

Course Description and Maps
 

1)     Course Description: 

The marathon starts in Vernonia at the intersection of Keasey Road and Edens Road (near Camp Cedar Ridge), heading south on Keasey Road (which becomes State Street in town), goes west on Bridge Street, south on Adams, then through Anderson Park and loops clockwise around Vernonia Lake, then back through Anderson Park and onto the Banks-Vernonia State Trail.  Runners exit the trail at the Banks Trailhead, proceed south on Main Street (on the sidewalk), through the Banks High School parking lot and onto the track for the finish. The marathon relay divides the course into four legs, with exchanges at Anderson Park (Vernonia), Tophill Trailhead, and Buxton Trailhead.

2)     Legs:

The legs are not equally in distance because of exchange zone parking requirements. Two person teams may run the four legs in any order they like (alternating or back-to-back).

Leg 1: Camp Cedar Ridge to Anderson Park (exchange after loop around the lake)--4.65 miles (4.65 total)

Leg 2: Anderson Park to Tophill—8.45 miles (13.1 total)

Leg 3: Tophill to Buxton—5.3 miles (18.4 total)

Leg 4: Buxton to Banks—7.8 miles (26.2 total)

3)     You must print the leg maps (below this course manual): The maps include details about each leg, where to park at the exchanges. etc.

Packet Pick-up
Early packet pickup is available at Banks Middle School (12850 NW Main Street, Banks OR 97006) on Saturday April 13th from 3pm to 6pm. Race day pickup and day of race registration are from 6:00am to 8:00am at BMS. Each team should designate one person to pick up bibs for the whole team (no ID required).

Day of Race
 

1)     The first runner/walker should either:

a)     get on the shuttle bus to the marathon start. Catch the bus in the parking lot near the staging area in the Banks Middle School cafeteria. The first bus leaves Banks at 6:15am and the last bus leaves at 7:00am. If you catch an early bus, wear an extra layer of clothing to stay warm.  You can put the extra clothes in a drop bag that will be brought to the finish.  

or

b) get dropped off by their team van at Camp Cedar Ridge.  

2) The team van should NOT park at the start. Parking at CCR is quite limited and we don’t want extra vehicles on the road with the runners and walkers as they head into Vernonia. Instead, park near Anderson Park in the Crown Zellerbach parking lot (Adams Ave and Maple St), or on city streets. (See Leg 1 map.)

On the Course
 

1)     Treat volunteers, team members, race officials, residents, and spectators with respect.  Give the volunteers a “thank you” even if you’re tired and grumpy.

2)     Aid stations, Potties and Communication: There will be aid stations at Miles 1.9, 4.7 (Exchange 1), 6.9, 10.3, 13.1 (Exchange 2), 15.6, 18.8 (Exchange 3), 21.8, 24, 25.2. Cell phones are unreliable on much of the course, so contact a race official for questions and emergencies.  We will have ham radio operators at each exchange in contact with EMS and the race director.  We will have first aid kits at each exchange, but call 911 in a true emergency.

3)     Eco-Friendly: ORRC strives to be eco-friendly. Paper cups will be offered at aid stations, but we encourage participants are to bring their own handhelds, hydration packs or reusable cups.  ORRC offers free reusable cups.

4)     Follow the Rules of the Road: Most streets and roads will not be closed to traffic, so follow the usual rules when running on roads (e.g. keep left running against traffic).  There will be certified flaggers stopping traffic at McDonald Road, the Buxton Trailhead, the Stub Stewart Trailhead, the Manning Trailhead and the Banks Trailhead.  There are a few other intersections that don’t get much traffic and won't have flaggers, so always be attentive at intersections and on roads.

5)     Note for Leg 1: There will be flaggers stopping traffic in Vernonia where the runners come off State Street and get onto the sidewalk on Bridge Street.  

6)     Note for Leg 2: Traffic will NOT be stopped when you are crossing Highway 47 at Tophill Trailhead (just before the exchange). There will be flaggers slowing traffic, but you must defer to vehicles when you are crossing the highway.  Saving a few seconds is not worth your life.

7) Note for Leg 4: Each team will get a set of four bibs, but only one of the bibs will have a chip.  The chipped bib MUST be worn by the person doing Leg 4.

8)     Share the Trail: Although the Banks-Vernonia State Trail is closed to vehicular traffic, be aware that it is not closed to the two-way traffic of other runners, walkers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. Therefore, always keep to the right, only two abreast to allow opposing traffic through. Be courteous of others, giving a heads-up (“Runner on your right”) as you pass someone slower. You don’t own the trail; you share it.

9)     The use of personal music devices us strongly discouraged for this race.  To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, we encourage a headphone-free environment.  If you do use headphones, the volume shouldn’t be so loud as to prevent you from hearing traffic.  Strollers, baby joggers and dogs are not permitted.

10)     Do not defile public or private property.  Use the portapotties at the exchange zones.  Follow “no parking” directions and keep off private property.  Do not block any residential or commercial driveways.  Pack it in; pack it out.  You wouldn’t want people leaving trash or urinating on your property. Use common sense, and treat others as you’d like to be treated.

11) Keep your noise level under control.  These are backcountry roads and the residents and their animals aren’t used to so much traffic.  Play music, but not too loud.  Cowbells are great, but air horns can frighten horses and dogs.  Fireworks are prohibited, as they are both disruptive and a fire danger. Again, treat others as you would expect.

12) Runners may walk if they wish, but walkers should not run, as the exchange zones and the finish are staffed based on estimated times.  Walkers who decide to ”jog a little bit” will arrive at unattended exchanges (and will be cheating).  This is not a judged race-walking event, so we expect walkers to police themselves.

13) Be aware of course markings.  Check the leg maps before you start each leg.  Critical turns will be marked, but teams are responsible for keeping their runners on course.  Runners may want to carry a map with them as they go.

14) Drink water; stay hydrated, especially as the day warms up.

15) Do not go home without telling us.  Teams that drop out must notify a race official before leaving the course.

16) If you encounter a dangerous situation (e.g. loose dog or angry resident) or have a medical emergency, your first priority is to keep yourself safe. Once in a safe situation, please report the incident to race officials or a ham radio operator ASAP.  Give specific details and information so we can follow up with EMS and law enforcement as is appropriate.  

17) Smoking is prohibited on the course. Report any fires to race officials immediately.

18) Parts of the course are not closed to traffic.  In general, runners should keep to the left side of the road, facing traffic, unless told otherwise by race officials.  The course has a mixture of paved roads, paved trail, and sidewalks.  Always be mindful of traffic.

19) Bibs MUST be worn on the front, so race officials can record which teams have passed each exchange and which teams have finished.

20) Handoffs should occur inside the designated exchange zones.  There are no batons; touching hands is sufficient.   

21) Leapfrogging is not permitted. There is a 7 hour time limit (16:00 min/mile)

22) Save the party for the finish.  Open alcohol containers and drinking are prohibited on the course.  Not only is this a violation of ORRC rules, it is a violation of state law and you are at risk of being cited by law enforcement.

23) No oversize vehicles such as RVs, buses, shuttles or limos are permitted as support vehicles.  If you’re unsure if your vehicle qualifies, please contact the race director.  Most teams drive a van or SUV.

24) “Following” is NOT permitted.  Following refers to when a van follows 25-30 yards behind the runner while they are running.  This is dangerous as it slows traffic.  Bicycles are also not permitted to accompany runners on the road.

25) Course Accuracy: This course is USATF certified (i.e. measured with a calibrated bicycle to the standards adopted by the USATF Road Running Technical Council).  Due to multiple factors, including trees and other objects that interfere with satellite signals, personal GPS devices do not measure distance as accurately. The total distance is certified; the distance of each leg is approximate.

26) Weather: the weather for this event is typically mid-40s in the morning and low 60s in the afternoon, although some years there has been rain and even snow. Check the forecast before the race and dress accordingly. Bring a drop bag if needed.

27) Drop Bags: Drop bags may be left at the start and will be brought to the finish line, placed in the bleachers at the Banks HS track.  Lost and found items will be brought to BMS.

28) Support: There will be sweepers on the course to track the runners and direct people to the nearest trailhead if they are hurt or unable to finish in the time allowed. Transportation (sag wagon) will be provided as needed.  All aid stations will have a basic first aid kit and a ham radio operator. EMS will be on stand-by.

29) Where to Cheer: Friends and family who want to cheer their runner/walker can access the course at the various trailheads: Anderson Park (Miles 2 &4), Beavercreek (Mile 9) , McDonald Road (Mile 10), Tophill (Mile 13) Stub Stewart (Mile 15.5), Buxton (Mile19), Manning (Mile 22) and Crossman Road (Mile 24). Download a map of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail for details. DO NOT park on the highway within 200 feet of the Tophill Trailhead. There is limited parking at Cedar Ridge (marathon start) and Stub Stewart (the half marathon start). There is limited parking at Banks HS (where both races finish).

30) Socks and Medals: All participants will get custom ORRC Vernonia Marathon Fitsoks and a finisher’s medal.

At the Finish

1)     Awards Ceremony and raffle at approximately 1:00pm. Awards will be given to the fastest teams in each of the official divisions.  In addition, special awards will go to Best Team Name and Most Creative Costumes.

2)     Teammates usually cross the finish line with the last runner.  Have your team wait and run the last 100 yards on the track together.  If you want to take photos at the finish line, don’t impede other teams as they finish.

3)     Enjoy the post race party!  Runners, walkers, volunteers, friends and family are welcome to eat soup and baked potatoes in the Banks Midde School cafeteria

4)     Parking: The lots at Banks High School/Middle School and Banks Elementary School fill up quickly in the morning, but there should have numerous spots available in the afternoon, as many of the half marathon runners will finish before the marathoners and relay teams. Park on city streets if necessary.

5)     Post Race Food:  We’ll have bananas, oranges, water, and Gatorade at the finish.  Pick up your drop bag in the bleachers and head over to the Banks Middle School cafeteria for soup and baked potatoes.

6)     Showers: will be available for free at BMS. Bring your own towel.

7)     Results: Results will be available at the finish line, and later at www.orrc.net.

Volunteers
 

1)     Volunteers are essential for the safety of participants.  Four person teams are required to provide one volunteer to serve as a race official.  (Two person teams are not required, but encouraged to do so.) f providing a volunteer is a hardship, you may opt out by paying a $50 fee instead of providing a volunteer.  We MUST have a committed volunteer name by April 1st. The fees are used to hire additional people to fill the volunteer positions.  We give back to the community by making donations to non-profit groups and high school teams that provide volunteers.

2)     Volunteers must be 18 years or older and physically able to carry out their assigned duties.

3)     Each volunteer works a 3 to 4 hour shift. Go to runsignup.com to see the available assignments. When prompted, be sure to report which team you are volunteering for.

4)     Volunteers are expected to arrive at their assignments on time and work their entire shift.  Maps and detailed instructions for each assignment (including how to get there) are available on the web site.  

5)     Volunteers should bring: food, water, clothes appropriate for the weather, cell phone, and map/instructions for their assignment.  They should NOT bring alcohol, young children or pets.

6)     Instructions, important phone numbers and yellow tape (to put between the orange delineators for the ten yard exchange area). When you are done, pack everything up for the sweeper to pick up.

7)     If you encounter a dangerous situation (e.g. loose dog or angry resident) or have a medical emergency, your first priority is to keep yourself safe. Once in a safe situation, please report the incident to race officials or ham radio operators ASAP.  Give specific details and information so we can follow up with EMS or law enforcement as is appropriate.  

8)     Cell phone coverage is spotty.  For minor emergencies, a first aid kit is provided.  For serious emergencies, call 911 or talk to a ham radio operator at any aid station; they will contact the race director or EMS.  

9)     Volunteers are welcome for the post race food and raffle at Banks Middle School!  

Questions?
 

Contact Mark Barrett, Race Director at vernonia@oregonroadrunnersclub.org or 503-821-9577.

Updated 4-6-24

Marathon starts at Vernonia's Cedar Ridge Retreat Center, goes around the Vernonia Lake, and proceeds onto the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, finishing at Banks High School track. Twenty-one miles of the course runs along paved rails to trails through scenic forests. The course includes a gradual uphill from Miles 9 to 13 and downhill from Mile 14 to 21, where it is flat to the finish: see elevation plot. The trail crosses several roads, at which traffic control will be provided. Although the trail is closed to vehicular traffic, be cognizant that it is not closed to the two-way traffic of other runners, walkers, bicyclists, hikers and horseback riders. Therefore, always keep to the right, only two abreast, to allow passing bicyclists, runners and opposing traffic through. If marathoners are unable to reach the aid station at Crossman Road (Mile 23) by 2:30pm they will be pulled from the course.

• Coffee: Cedar Ridge Resort (Vernonia Marathon start location) will provide coffee for all full marathoners.

• Marathon Aid stations and potties: at Miles 2, 4, 7, 10, 11.5, 13, 15.5, 19, 21.5, 23, 25. There will be water, Gatorade, Gu, plus sweet and salty snacks at each aid station. Cups will be provided for drinking liquids.

• Traffic will NOT be stopped when you are crossing Highway 47 at Tophill Trailhead (near the half marathon mark). There will be flaggers slowing traffic, but you must defer to vehicles when you are crossing the highway.

For a trail map, click here.
For course map, go to www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=494882 
This course is USATF certified, and is a Boston qualifier - click here.

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 paved rails to trails through scenic forests. The course is uphill for the first mile, gradual 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 will be provided at Miles 2, 5.5, 8,10.5, 12. There will be water, Gatorade, Gu, and sweet and salty snacks at each aid station. Cups will be provided for drinking liquids.

This course is USATF certified (OR18010LB). Click here to view the certification document.

For a map of the trail, click here.
For a map of the course go to http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/486138268

Online registration at  https://orrc.net/events/event-list/vernonia-marathon-and-half/  doesn't close. 

No ORRC discount day of race. Same day Registration starts at 6:00am. Registration is non-refundable.

Socks
A pair of custom Vernonia Fitsoks is included in the registration fee.

Long Sleeve Tech T-Shirt
A long-sleeved tech T-shirt is available for $20 and is NOT included in the registration fee. Only pre-orders are guaranteed a t-shirt. 

The race is point-to-point. Participants, please park at Banks Middle School, Sunset Speedway Park, Banks Elementary or on city streets near the high school. We will provide shuttle buses from Banks to the start line.

The first MARATHON bus to start line leaves Banks Middle School at 6:15 a.m. The last marathon bus leaves at 7 a.m.

The first HALF MARATHON bus to Stub Stewart State Park start time leaves at 7 a.m. The last bus leaves at 8 a.m. 

It is your responsibility to transport yourself to the start should you miss the bus. Have someone drive you to the start after picking up your bib in Banks. Or at the start line.

Drop bags provided at the start. Returned to the finish line. Lost and found items at BMS.

Sweepers check for injuries and direct people to the nearest trailhead if hurt or unable to finish in time allowed; transportation will be provided as needed.

This race is chip timed. Results will be available at www.orrc.net and at http://hubertiming.com

AWARDS - Plaques to the overall and masters runners in male, female and non-binary categories. The top five finishers in each five year age group will earn ribbons. The walk is non-competitive, so there are no separate awards for walkers. All finishers will receive a medal. Awards ceremony for the half marathon at about 11:30am and for the marathon at about 1pm. Raffle running gear and homemade pies occur during the awards ceremonies.

FOOD - ORRC provides (prepared by the Vernonia Boosters) for all event participants and family: hot soup, baked potatoes, beverages, and snacks at Banks Middle School (BMS) after the race. Awards ceremonies and raffle (prizes to include running gear and pies) will begin at approximately 12:30 and 1:30 p.m., for the half marathon and marathon events, respectively. 

SHOWERS - Free showers will be available at Banks Middle School. Bring your own towel.

50 STATERS - ORRC has special award for 50 Staters if the Vernonia Marathon is your 50th state.  We'd like to recognize your great effort, and celebrate that you reached your goal in Oregon at an ORRC race.  Please contact the race director no later than March 1, 2024 at vernonia@oregonroadrunnersclub.org

ORRC wants to recognize all of its participants, from the first to the last. The last person to cross the finish line will earn a Red Caboose Award. (Note: If there are multiple distances for an event, there aren’t multiple cabooses, just one for the very last.) 

Online registration is open through race day before buses leave for the start lines. 
 
We are using dynamic bib assignment, so bib numbers are assigned when checking-in at Banks Middle School (12850 NW Main Street, Banks OR 97106) either on Saturday, April 13 (3 p.m. - 6 p.m.) or on race day 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.  Runners may also get their bib by checking in with the timer or the designated race official at the start lines. Picking-up other participants' bibs is permitted.

Water, Gatorade, Gu packets, plus sweet and salty snacks will be available every 2 to 3 miles.  Cups will be provided for drinking liquids.

ORRC strives to be eco-friendly. We will reduce, reuse, recycle and compost as much as possible on the road, trail and at post-race events.  We will provide paper cups at aid stations, but we encourage participants to bring their own hydration system—packs, handhelds, silicone cups, etc.—to reduce waste on the course. ORRC will offer free reusable cups at its events.

ORRC wants to celebrate your firsts. We will have "My First Half Marathon" or "My First Marathon" bibs at packet pick-up.. Customize your bib and wear it on race day so that others can see your goal and encourage you along the way. Suitable for framing and social media.

Vernonia has several Bed & Breakfasts. Banks has no motels. Forest Grove and Hillsboro, seven and ten miles respectively from Banks, has motels and B & Bs. To view the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce Lodging directory – click here.

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 track (where both races finish).

Participants expressly waive any entitlement to a refund but are transferrable to other ORRC event.  

Switching Vernonia Events: You may switch from the marathon to the half.  If you decide to do this before the start, please contact the race director ASAP (vernonia@oregonroadrunnersclub.org) or report the change at the Day of Race registration table. 

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

The Vernonia Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay are part of ORRC's challenge series. If you participate in all ORRC 5K events, or all ORRC 10K events, or all ORRC 10-mile or longer events in the calendar year, you will receive a prize at the end of the calendar year. If you either participate or volunteer in EVERY ORRC event in the calendar year you will win a prize for the President's challenge. No need to register for these challenges, you just need to be an ORRC member.

At our running events, ORRC strives to promote inclusivity and fairness for all participants. While it's true that running only requires a pair of shoes, we understand that barriers to entry exist. Our Pay It Forward Fund (PIFF) assists those with financial difficulties paying for race fees. Contact this event’s race director about discounted race entries. We want to emphasize that everyone is welcome at our races, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and youth runners.

Transgender Entrants

Transgender women can register to compete a) in the female category if athletes have undergone medically supervised hormone treatment for at least one year prior to the race or b) in the male category with no restrictions.

Transgender men can register to compete a) in the male category if athletes have undergone medically supervised hormone treatment for at least one year prior to the race or b) in the female category with no restrictions.

Nonbinary Entrants
During registration, all entrants can select their gender category – male, female, or nonbinary. Entrants who choose nonbinary will have their own division, results page, and awards.

Policy Enforcement
The gender and category that a runner selects during registration will be accepted as is. As such, no challenges to a runner's gender or category will be allowed or tolerated.

This policy will be updated as needed to ensure fair and inclusive practices.

Individual and group volunteers should contact Race Director Mark Barrett at vernonia@oregonroadrunnersclub.org  or 503-821-9577.