Adidas Trail

The Adidas Trail is located in Amazon Park, near South Eugene High School, starting at approximately East 24th Avenue and Amazon Parkway. Some locals call it the Amazon Trail, but every history savvy track and field nerd knows that name is outdated.

In 1975 the community volunteered to develop the Amazon Trail. Eight years later, in 1983, Ducks track and field head coach Bill Dillinger led an effort to refurbish the trail, increasing its width and laying down its characteristic light brown wood chips. Ironically, in a city that sleeps, eats, and breaths Nike, this effort was funded by Adidas. So from 1983 on, the Amazon Trail became the Adidas Trail.

The trail is a mile loop with quarter mile markers – ideal for mile repeats or interval training. With a soft wood chip surface the Adidas Trail is a haven for runners prone to stress fractures, knee problems, and impact related injuries. This is also an ideal trail for recreational runners easing into the sport, because the loop is entirely flat. For the all-day office hounds enslaved to a cubicle, run some stress off after work because the Adidas Trail is fitted with lights.

For the die hard enthusiasts out of bed and finished with their workout before the rest of the city takes their first sip of coffee, keep your eyes peeled for America’s best distance runners ranging from young phenom Jordan Hasay to men’s leading stars Ryan Hall or Dathan Ritzenheim.

Parallel to Amazon Creek, it’s not unusual to spot wildlife like river otter, beaver, deer, and even bird species like the Western Tanagers. Fed from the Fern Ridge Reservoir, Amazon Creek provides a typically beautiful setting to another great Eugene trail.

The trail is open to the public and maintained year round. Parking is available at the trail head, South Eugene High School, and along 24th Avenue.

Written by Zak Weinberg for DiscoverEugene.com