The TrailâÂÂs End Marathon is an annual road marathon held in Seaside, Oregon. Established by at least 1970, it is one of the early modern marathons in the United States and attracted national attention during the early growth of distance running in the late 20th century.
By the early 1970s, the TrailâÂÂs End Marathon was a well-established event on the American road-racing calendar. It received nationwide coverage through syndicated wire services and major newspapers, often highlighting distinctive participants and social aspects of long-distance running.
The race became known for attracting older and nontraditional competitors, including Dr. Larry Hilt, a 71-year-old runner whose planned participation in the 1971 edition was widely reported in national newspapers.
In 1972, the TrailâÂÂs End Marathon played a role in the early history of womenâÂÂs marathon running in the United States. That year, the Amateur Athletic UnionâÂÂsanctioned womenâÂÂs marathon was held in conjunction with the menâÂÂs race. Seventeen women competed officially, with Elaine Pedersen winning in 3:27:13. This event took place during a period when women were still barred from officially entering several major marathons, making the TrailâÂÂs End Marathon one of the early venues for sanctioned womenâÂÂs marathon competition in North America.
The TrailâÂÂs End Marathon also attracted broader cultural attention beyond competitive athletics. In 1972, Jim Dunne, mayor of Pullman, Washington, publicly challenged other mayors to compete in the race, a gesture that was reported nationally through United Press International.