2026 Medals Celebrate the Runner’s Journey to The Finish line

When each participant in the 2026 Eugene Marathon crosses the finish line at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon on the last weekend in April, that chapter in their running journey will be complete.

Whether it be their very first 5K, a PR-goal marathon, or a comeback half marathon; each training journey looks a little different now and will mean something different on race day.

And when they receive their finisher medal following the Marathon, Half Marathon, Eugene 5K or Kid’s Duck Dash presented by OCCU, a commemoration of that journey will hang around their necks; and it will signify the commitment, perseverance and discipline they displayed during their training cycle. 

The special design element of the 2026 medal is a subtle rolling wave to represent the Willamette River. Much like the river, each participant has a unique journey with winding paths both calm and consistent, at times tumultuous, and at times breathtaking. All marathon and half marathon runners cross the river twice, and the marathon course runs alongside the river for over half of the race. On the back of the marathon and half marathon medals is a detailed city map with the course following a raised outline above the city and the Willamette River.

The 2026 Eugene Marathon logo appears on the front of the medal as a nod to the individual runner’s accomplishment in completing the race; and a subtle Eugene Marathon footprint shines in the background, depicting those who have run in this place throughout history and that each 2026 finisher has just Run in The Footsteps of Legends.

The remaining 2026 finisher medals — including the Eugene 5K and Kid’s Duck Dash presented by OCCU and the Krusteaz DoubleStack Challenge — keep with the same theme of focusing on the journey and the impact that running has on each person who finishes a race at the 2026 Eugene Marathon.