OYO is not a virtual race. Virtual races allow runners to race wherever they want and record their own time using their own devices. Most of the time, virtual races lead to time disruptions such as crossing busy streets and obeying traffic laws. On top of that, personal GPS devices feature a significant margin of error that lead to inaccurate course tracking and timing. OYO is a USATF measured and certified race course. It is fixated in place and available whenever you're ready for your race. Best of all, OYO has advanced timing technology built into the course, which allows for pinpoint accurate results you can trust.
Yes! The Marathon USATF Certification number is OR20007LB, and the Half Marathon USATF Certification number is OR20008LB.
The OYO app is available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can download directly using one of the buttons below!
OYO is a self-supported race. Abundant drinking fountains are available along the course, but runners will need to provide their own nutrition and fuel if they require anything beyond water. See the Fluids & Nutrition Drop Spots section on the Course page for exact locations of the drinking fountains as well as for suggested locations to "stash" your own nutrition and fuel. Note that littering is strictly prohibited and all items taken onto the course must be thrown away or recycled in proper receptacles.
Runners are encouraged to take care of restroom needs prior to arriving at the start line. For last minute needs, the nearest public restroom to the start/finish line is located at 1831 S River Dr., which is approximately half a mile north of the start line.
There are no public restrooms available along the 5K and 10K routes, but there are restrooms at Willamette Park on the Half Marathon and Marathon routes. The locations of these limited restrooms can be seen on the maps on the Course page.
A series of measures are put in place to prevent cheating. Course cameras, timing checkpoints, and the OYO app all work together to ensure the legitimacy of every runner's final results. Any attempt to cheat will disqualify the runner and result in a lifetime ban from OYO races. Refer to the Keeping It Honest section for more details.
Your race kit will ship within days of registration!
The OYO app will prompt you to perform a quick test before beginning your race. This will ensure the timing equipment is properly synced to the OYO app and your electronic race tag on your bib.
You do NOT need to schedule a date or time to run your OYO race. Plan accordingly, but your OYO race can be ran any time of day, any day of the year. Just show up whenever you're ready!
Unofficial results are available within moments of the completion of your race. They will be marked as pending until reviewed by OYO compliance staff. Once reviewed, the results will no longer be marked as pending and will be official.
Yes! You may run your OYO race with whatever tiny or furry support you need. How many race courses can say that?
The time limit for all OYO races (regardless of distance) is ten hours.
OYO does take place on a USATF certified course; however, it is not eligible for Boston Marathon qualification. Note that OYO races CAN be used for Club Qualifiers and Level Upgrades for the Marathon Maniacs & Half Fanatics (see below).
Marathon Maniacs & Half Fanatics will accept OYO events towards club qualification (for new members), and level upgrades and Hall of Fame status (for current members). To be eligible, half marathons must be completed in under five hours, and marathons must be completed in under eight hours.
Additionally, at least five runners must attempt to complete the same distance on the same day. The daily results must list at least five runners starting the same distance, and at least three of those runners completing that distance on the same calendar day. The cutoff times outlined above must be met by the minimum of three finishers.
Please contact the Maniacs / Fanatics directly at info@marathonmaniacs.com with additional questions concerning eligibility. More detailed information can be found on the clubs criteria FAQ pages for the Maniacs and Fanatics.
Yes, OYO does count as a race toward 50 States Half Marathon Club challenges, with the following stipulations: only one OYO race can count for 2020, and only one can count for 2021. As OYO adds courses in additional states, and upon further evaluation of the running industry over the upcoming year, this policy will be continuously re-evaluated by 50 States Half Marathon Club leadership.
Yes, OYO races are eligible to be counted towards a member's 100 half marathons goal. There are no stipulations or minimum requirements other than those outlined in the official OYO race rules.