Signing up for a new marathon may seem like risky business. But not if you find one so well orchestrated, it could be mistaken for an old pro. Here are 10 races with short--but strong--track records.

By Bob Cooper 

Eugene Marathon
Where: Eugene, Oregon
When: May 4
Age of Race: Running since 2007
Highlights: Flat, Rural, Great Foods, Entertainment, Spectator Friendly

Baseball fans have Cooperstown, NASCAR fanatics have Daytona, and die-hard runners have Eugene. Every Nike-wearer should make the pilgrimage to Track Town USA, longtime home to top talent (Steve Prefontaine, Alberto Salazar, Kara Goucher) and to locals who live and breathe the sport. The town had been without a marathon since the mid-1980s, until local veteran marathoner Richard Maher resurrected the Eugene Marathon with the help of legendary running author Joe Henderson. The result was a first-rate debut in 2007, in which 1,500 runners enjoyed a flat route that took in 12 parks. "Starting in the shadows of Hayward Field, with all of its history, and then being cheered by spectators who 'get it'--they don't tell you you're 'almost there' at 16 miles--made it really special," says Kelly Richards of Grapevine, Texas. "I carbo-loaded at Track Town Pizza, where the walls are covered with photos of University of Oregon runners."

ROUTE: The three-loop course first leads runners through the university's campus. Then it heads south on residential streets before returning to campus and crossing the Willamette River. Almost the entire last 17 miles follow river bike paths to the finish in front of the university's football stadium. There's PR potential here, with mostly flat terrain and just a quarter-mile climb in the seventh mile.
ENTERTAINMENT: Featured at 35 spots, including a bagpiper at mile 8.5 and a harpist at 16.5.
SPECTATORS: The course is great for any fans you bring, too. Thanks to the shamrock layout, they can easily cheer you at the start and finish, and at miles 8.5 and 15.5.
REFUEL: Subway subs and cookies at the finish.
STAR POWER: In 2007, age-group legend John Keston keynoted the pasta dinner and sang the national anthem at the start, and Olympians Kenny Moore, Bill Dellinger, Marla Runyan, and Nicole Teter led seminars at the expo.
TAKE NOTE: The race doesn't actually start on the Hayward Field track, but runners are welcome to do a warmup lap there.

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