Hello Bend, Let’s RUN!
During this time last year, lots of Bendites were getting their athletic hopes and dreams crushed as races after races kept calling it and cancelling due to COVID-19! From iconic Central Oregon races like Pole Pedal Paddle, The Bend Marathon, The Cascade Relays Beer Chase, and SO many more, Bend is known for its spring running scene, and the races are always EPIC! Due to COVID-19, a lot of runners have had races postpone or cancel, and we know from experience and hear across the board that it has been tough staying consistent with any running training plans (or any routines for that matter). As cases seem to stabilize and more and more become vaccinated, races are opening up–albeit a lot of them are either fully virtual, or have main virtual components.
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, there are a couple of awesome running opportunities in Bend right now, and I wanted to take a moment to highlight them on the blog. Plan your spring running with the races listed below and when you sign up, send us a message on Facebook, Instagram or leave a comment below so we can cheer you on! Let’s Run Bend!
Horse Butte 10-Miler
April 3, 2021 at 9:00am
This 10 mile course turns from dirt road to single-track in the first half mile and stays single track for the next 9.5 miles. The course is mostly uphill for the first 5 miles with much of the gain for the whole loop coming from miles 2-5. The one aid station is located at mile 5.4 after which you get a break from climbing until the short but memorable bump just after mile 8. The remainder of the course is fairly flat with some of the most technical footing coming in the last quarter mile. This course weather permitting, is in my opinion one of the most visually appealing courses. Great views of the high desert and mountains can be had especially on the way back in from the aid station. If you have never done this event put it on your to do list!
They do have a rule that to get a course record you must be dressed in western wear. Jean shorts and western shirt at a minimum. I highly suggest a cowboy hat. Perfect intro race to spring running in Bend!
Salmon Run 5k, 10k, Half Marathon
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Like the mighty salmon pushing forward on its epic journey, Lay It Out Events continues this Bend tradition, kicking off the spring running season in style with all new courses at the beautiful Pronghorn Resort. Choose your distance: Half Marathon, 10K or 5K!
The sweet smell of sage beckons you to the high desert to enjoy a little R & R at the resort while killin’ it out on the trail. Make a weekend of it with friends — there’s a distance and view for everyone. During these uncertain times, Lay It Out Events is committed to providing in-person races that are safe and comply with all local and state regulations. After successfully hosting two running races in 2020, we have fine-tuned the race experience! What to expect: Multiple wave starts for each distance, ample room to socially distance at start and finish areas, face coverings provided to all registrants & required at start/finish areas, no spectators are allowed in race area (have your people volunteer instead!), food and beer packaged and sealed for your protection. Register now to claim your spot in this epic race!
The Bend Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K & 10k:
The Bend Marathon turned into a virtual race in 2020, and this year will remain in that format. There are lots of ways to participate and you can still take home a shirt and a medal! With the start and finish lines at Les Schwab Amphitheater, the Virtual Race date range is April 12 – May 25, 2021 and can be done at any time during this time period. Keep checking back in to stay up to date. The Bend Marathon team has been consistently working to make this a virtual event to remember, and they have dedicated a lot of time and energy into creating value for the community through this race. It’s a great one to come out and support!
Footzone Weekly Spring Running Sessions
Footzone is your local go-to shop for all things Spring running! There are weekly running groups that meet consistently and they have developed quite the community! Check them out:
Tuesday 5:00 AM: FootZone’s Rise & Run Group. FootZoner, Colton Gale, loves leading this early bird run. Meet outside FootZone with lights and layers, and get your run done for the day! All paces are welcome; 3-5 mile routes will usually take advantage of lit paths in the Old Mill District. Bring a few bucks for coffee after! For more info, email colton@footzonebend.com.
Tuesdays at 5:30 PM: FootZone’s Tuesday Performance Group (TPG) with Max King. TPG is an interval based workout group that is low key and includes/welcomes all ability levels. The focus is getting the most out of your running whether it is more speed, more fitness, or achieving more in less time. Workout distances can vary based on what is comfortable and effort level is up to you. Locations vary. For more info, email max@footzonebend.com.
Wednesdays at 12:00 PM: FootZone’s Noon Run. Meet Outside The Crows Commons Cafe. For more info, call FootZone at 541-317-3568 or email mark@footzonebend.com.
Thursdays at 5:30 PM: Bend Babes Brew & Running Crew. Women of Bend, if you like to run in the woods & celebrate with post-run beers and food, then join us on Thursdays! Each week we meet at a different trail, decide as a group how far to run (usually 40-50 minutes), and then meet at a brew pub for post-run drinks and dinner! All paces welcome– you will not be running alone, no matter what pace! Locations vary. For info on weekly locations, check their Facebook Page or email b3runningcrew@gmail.com.
Thursdays at 6:00 PM: Central Oregon Running Klub (CORK). CORK is a community-centric running group that welcomes runners of all paces and loves having fun hosting themed runs throughout year. CORK’s weekly Thursday runs are always followed by food and/or drink! Location vary. For more info, check their Facebook Page or email centraloregonrunningklub@gmail.com
Saturdays at 9:00 AM: Central Oregon Running Klub (CORK). Join CORK for a Saturday long run at 9 AM at Thump Coffee (549 NW York Dr #200). Feel free to run/walk whatever “long” means to you. Some runners/walkers will be aiming for 5-10 miles but feel free to adjust as needed. Meet at the end for coffee and camaraderie. Check CORK’s Facebook Page for any last minute changes, or email centraloregonrunningklub@gmail.com
Interested in more spring activities from Hello Bend? Read more HERE, SUBSCRIBE to the Hello Bend Blog, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know in Central Oregon.
Brenda Menzel, Broker
Cascade Sotheby’s Int’ l Realty ~ Hello Bend Real Estate
541-640-2125
