I attempted this route last weekend and missed the FKT by 11 seconds after taking a photo of the sunrise from the top of Spencer Butte. I did not stop to take any photos on this attempt, and I'm glad I didn't because I ended up running almost four minutes faster and my overall time was faster than the previous holder's moving time by roughly 15 seconds.
There are two ways to run this route starting from Spring Boulevard, depending on whether you go left or right at the lollipop loop on Spencer Butte. It looks like taking a right up the more gradual ascent has been the more popular choice, but I decided to take a left and set up for my summit push taking the steep route. I took an awesome line up this time after getting turned around once or twice the previous weekend (as the previous holder mentioned in his recap, there is a spiderweb of interlinking little trails that can be difficult to navigate on this side of the mountain). Ultimately, I don't think there's too much to be gained or lost either direction of the lollipop. It's a matter of which approach speaks to you more and your comfort level on technical descents. Personally, I didn't like the risks associated with having to descend the steep side.
This is an awesome and iconic route in Eugene, so I'm happy to have brought the FKT back home. I definitely think sub-70 would be low-hanging fruit for many athletes in this area. Sub-60 would be wild, but not out of the question for someone with elite talent. I would love to see this broken again soon, and I'm curious how an alternate route starting at Blanton Ridge Trailhead and finishing at Spring Boulevard might affect the times.
All in all, I had a great day out there. I measured my effort well throughout and everything felt pretty dialed. There may be a couple more minutes out there for me once I have my climbing legs back, but not much. Took half a Maurten 320 drink mix in my bottle and decided against eating the one gel I brought with me. I may use this route in the future as a good fitness gauge. Had a blast out there!