Running, with a dose of patriotism, at annual Butte to Butte

Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and George Washington were in town Saturday, July 4, for the annual Butte to Butte, an event put on by the Oregon Track Club, every Fourth of July.

Fitting, as the United States celebrates its 250th birthday.

Running down the winding roads of southeast Eugene, spectators cheered them on with cow bells and the occasional water and tequila shot station.

According to William Wyckoff, one of the race’s co-directors, the turnout was projected to be nearly 5,500, among the largest in the race’s history. 

Since its inception 52 years ago, Butte to Butte has hosted young and old, newcomers and seasoned runners alike for the 10K, 5K and 4 Mile Mayor’s Walk. 

Father and son duo from Eugene, Jacob and Zion Bustamante, both completed the 10K race, marking the third Butte to Butte for Jacob Bustamante and the second for Zion. 

Zion, 14, said he cut his time down by about 9 minutes, while his father, 46, said he was a bit slower this year due to tendonitis. 

“This was a great way to start the Fourth of July,” Jacob Bustamante said. “It’s over 5,000 people running first thing in the morning and it creates good energy.”

In the event’s inaugural year, 1973, it was called “Storm the Butte.” Participants ran up Spencer Butte, down an unpaved Willamette Street towards Skinner Butte.

Flash forward to 2026, and the course starts at Spencer Butte Middle School. Shortly after starting, participants trek up Donald Street Hill, a steep, challenging climb that catches many runners off guard.

Eric Swegles, a race volunteer, reflected on how challenging the Donald Street Hill is.

“If you’re doing the 10K, look out for the second mile; it’s a straight uphill grind,” he said.

Swegles has volunteered at the number pickup for Butte to Butte since 2009 and raced numerous times. 

“I really, really like the running community because we’re all healthy, happy people,” Swegles said. “It’s just great to see all the people year after year and the energy level around this is just really high.”

For some, a pre-run ritual is a necessity. 

Jack Yearian, 29, from Portland, said a cup of coffee and a trip to the bathroom are how he prepares himself for a successful run.

His friend, Sarah Levy, 25, also from Portland, agreed, but said a banana or two is key to success.

The race also demands preparation and organization, Wyckoff said.

“It takes a year’s worth of permitting, coordinating 100 course marshals, police officers, 300 toilets, shuttles, awards, water stations, on and on,” he said. 

After the race, runners gathered just beyond the finish line for the annual Finish Festival, where vendors served beer, food and Butte to Butte merch.

Ron Unger, 70, from Eugene, ran his second Butte to Butte 10K this year, beating his best 10K time, placing third in his age category.  

“It’s a great way to get exercise in the spirit of the fourth,” Unger said. “There is so much enthusiasm, and it’s tons of fun.”

Race results (as of 12:15 p.m.):

10K: Aaron Bienenfeld, the 2025 male 10K champion, won again, besting his course record in 28:45, more than a minute ahead of second-place finisher Noah Rasmussen. The female 10K champion was Melissa Berry, with a time of 35:06.2. The non-binary champion was Violet Powell, with a time of 42:43.1.

5K: Luke Tewalt won the men’s 5K race with a time of 14:45.8. Sarah Klein won the women’s 5K with a time of 16:50.1. Sam Headrick won the non-binary 5K with a time of 24:56.

4-Mile Walk: Katie Hass won the women’s race in 31:59. Collin Marshall won the men’s race in 32:06.4. Sam Bluth won the non-binary race in 59:01.5.