A debut marathon turned into a historic performance at the Eugene Marathon, where more than 10,000 runners filled the streets of Eugene and Springfield in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated races.
Record-breaking debut
All eyes were on first-time marathoner Jax Siddall, who stunned the field by breaking the men’s course record in his very first attempt at the distance. Siddall crossed the finish line in 2:15:02, beating the previous record set by Jacob Chemtai in 2014 by more than a minute.
Despite battling cramps late in the race, Siddall said the energy of finishing inside Hayward Field gave him a final surge.
“As soon as I got here, it was like magically everything was gone,” he said, crediting the atmosphere often referred to as “Hayward magic.”
Originally a collegiate 10K runner at Eastern Kentucky University, Siddall had only previously competed in half marathons, making his achievement even more impressive.
Strong showing in women’s race
On the women’s side, Amanda Martin delivered a dominant performance, winning by more than three minutes and recording the third-fastest time in course history.
Martin, who had considered stepping away from marathons after past setbacks, said the moment of entering Hayward Field made it all worthwhile.
“This is literally every dream that you’ve ever imagined,” she said.
A race powered by community
The event showcased not just elite performances but also the spirit of “TrackTown, USA.” Runners praised the course, while hundreds of volunteers supported participants with water stations, medical aid, and post-race recovery.
From first-time marathoners to seasoned athletes, the Eugene Marathon once again proved why it’s one of the most iconic running events in the U.S.—blending competition, community, and unforgettable finishes.
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