Hello Bend! As I continue to embrace the Bend lifestyle, I decided (or should I say let my girlfriend talk me into) running the annual Happy Girls Run. I have only run one other 5K in my life, and it was through Disney World, so I wasn’t sure what to expect with a course through nature. With Bend being such an outdoorsy town full of fitness-minded people, I was a little intimidated. I know, a 5K is just a little over 3 miles, but for a non-runner like myself, that’s kind of a big deal!
We started out the Friday before the race at Seventh Mountain Resort at the “swag party” to pick up our runner packets. There were a few vendors set up, light snacks, and even complimentary cocktails offered by Crater Lake Spirits. It was busy and a bit chaotic so I would recommend leaving the kids at home as the lines are long. It is rare, however, that I find myself without kids in the late afternoon, so I had mine in tow….isn’t that what iPads are for?
The swag bags add to the fun with a pair of legit running socks, a Happy Girls wine glass and Kind bars, among other things. There was additional swag items for those running the 10K and half marathon…and it was some cool stuff!
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Race day arrived and Riverbend Park was not only packed with runners but also buzzing with excitement! As is typical with Bend, the route could not have been more beautiful. The pleasant scenery along the river and through the Old Mill District helped pass the time for this girl!
After the race, we went to the Pemco Insurance tent to get our complimentary post-race photo…
Grabbed a quick snack from Bethlyn’s Global Fusion…
And a FREE beer from 10 Barrel…
Atlas Cider was also on hand passing out their delicious cider to thirsty runners. Yes…that’s how we properly end a race in Bend!
Can’t forget to mention the awesome Happy Kids race at noon. The course was just right, short enough for kids of any age to have a BLAST!
We had so much fun that I now believe this running thing isn’t all that bad. In fact, I am planning to run all the upcoming races in Bend. Below is a listing of the more popular races here in Bend. For a complete listing of all the races in the Central Oregon area visit the Foot Zone website.
Bite of Bend Beer Run-June 19 (Kids Rootbeer Run)
Deschutes Dash Weekend-July 16 (Kids Splash N Dash Obstacle Race)
Deschutes Brewery Twilight 5K Run/Walk-Aug 18
Annabelle’s Angel Glow 5K Run/2K Walk-Oct 7…Bend’s ONLY night GLOW Run & Fun Walk!
Zombie Run–Oct 29
I Like Pie Run/Walk-Nov 24
Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis-Dec 4 (5K and 1 mile options)
So what are you waiting for? Grab your running shoes and your Hydro pint, and I’ll see you at the next race!