The marathon is the glamour distance of road racing, and the 5K, 10K, and half marathon each can lay claim to their share of devoted fans. Then there is the 10 mile race, which stands like a lonely wallflower at the high school dance. That’s too bad, because it’s an interesting distance in itself. If nothing else, 10 is a key number in human civilization, as so many things follow base-10 counting.
Anyway, that leads me to highlight the Horse Butte 10 Miler in Bend. It’s a 10 mile trail run that climbs about 740 feet over the loop, peaking just past the halfway point. Because the trail gets narrow in parts, the entire field is capped. Here’s what the race organizer has to say about the event:
The Horse Butte 10 miler is the race that has become a classic early season event here in Bend, Oregon. The Race kicks off the trail race season here in Central Oregon. Horse Butte 10 miler has a field limit of 200 runners which has kept its small race feel intact as it has gained popularity. The course, not so spring like weather, and post race Oregon Country Beef hot dog barbecue have become synonymous with spring trail running in Bend.
It sounds like the elevation gain is just enough to provide a spectacular view of the area surround Bend! The top 3 male and female finishers will win awards, and the overall winners also get Horse Butte western shirts.
Details:
What: 2022 Horse Butte 10 Miler
When: April 3rd, 2002 at 9:00AM
Where: Horse Butte Trail, Bend, Oregon
Cost: $50 thru 2/28. After this, price increases to $60 thru 3/18, and finally to $70 thru 4/2.
Register: Online here
Packet Pick-Up: Footzone (845 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97701) from 12:00 to 6:00PM on April 2nd or on Race Day at the start line beginning at 7:30AM.
