Race Preview: 2016 Bend Marathon and Half Marathon (April 24th)

There are still spots for the Bend Marathon and Half Marathon presented by Picky Bars on Sunday, April 24^th. The marathon begins at 7:00AM and the half marathon starts at 8:30AM. The course is beautiful and the medals are pretty spectacular, coming from a girl not that into the bling. Beginning in downtown Bend, the marathon runs through Drake Park, along the Deschutes River and takes advantage of the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. With views of the Three Sisters, Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor, this marathon is truly beautiful. It's beautiful and challenging, with the altitude and some decent climbs, but it’s a great way to see the area and the views that make Bend a popular tourist attraction. The course includes a small stretch of gravel (approximately 10%), and it takes you through the historic Old Mill District, through Riverbend Park and finishes up near Mirror Pond, next to Drake Park.The Bend Half Marathon  has most of the same amazing views, just minus the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway stretch.

New this year, families can participate in the Bend Family 4K (2.5 miles) at 9AM.  It begins in downtown Bend and runs through the heart of the city before finishing up at Drake Park. Kids 12 and under are FREE with a registered adult. All participants receive a Family 4K medal and all registered participants receive a t-shirt and medal. Everyone 13 and over must be registered in order to participate.

The marathon and half marathon are chip timed and will have mile markers every mile. There will be pacers along the course for both the half marathon and full marathon and plenty of port-a-potties. There is a time limit to accommodate the City of Bend and marathoners have six hours to complete the course and half marathoners have three hours to finish. The aid stations will offer water, Nuun, Picky Bar bites and gummy bears. Bag check will be available beginning at 6:15AM race morning and Sweet Start PDX will be at the starting line selling baked goods, so pack a little cash if you want to eat breakfast there. Bend Marathon will also be collecting cold weather items at the starting line for those in need, so wear something to shed that could help someone less fortunate.  Bend Marathon is a great event, in part, because the race directors pay extreme attention to details.I ran this last year and was impressed with their planning and organization. The Bend Marathon and Half Marathon is a perfect excuse to get out of town and run. It’s a great run, an ideal location and organizers who take pride in their event.

 

Bend Marathon and Half Marathon presented by Picky Bars

Sunday, April 24th 

Downtown Bend on Oregon Avenue (between Wall and Bond)

Marathon 7AM ($110)

Half Marathon 8:30AM ($95)

Family 4K 9AM ($40)