T-minus three weeks until 2024 Bend Marathon weekend! Are you ready?

I can’t believe that the 2024 Bend Marathon weekend is mere weeks away. After months upon months of horrible weather, I think that April has snuck on me! Luckily I have put in some good miles along the way, but it’s definitely been a challenge. I am pumped that I will once again be able to have my hard work be put to use in this great race. I ran it back in 2015 and had this to say:

“Trust me, this is the latest addition to YOUR ‘Running Bucket List’. You won’t regret it. Prepare to be blown away.”

There is still time left to register and we wanted to remind people what is in store.

Courses: As was mentioned in our preview, the courses have changed a little bit over the years, and we asked the Race Directors to provide some direct insight:

The Bend Marathon course winds through the Best of Bend, taking you on a tour of Bend’s highlights such as the Old Mill District, Downtown, NW Crossing, across the crest with mountain views and a quiet section with a tour through the Deschutes National Forest. Along the way you’ll run along the banks of the Deschutes River, through no less than 11 beautiful Bend Parks, 9 aid stations, 2 dedicated cheer stations, and out through miles of winding forest path. This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful courses anywhere.

Starting in Bend’s Old Mill District with ample parking and a backdrop of historic mill buildings and shops, the course takes a quick tour of the Old Mill up and down the Deschutes River. From there you’ll head down along the river through quiet neighborhoods with some of Bend’s most beautiful homes and into vibrant Downtown Bend and along the iconic Drake Park.

Turning down Galveston and away from the river you’ll travel through NW Crossing, “Bend’s Second Downtown”, and through its parks and neighborhoods before traversing the middle part of the course through the community of Tetherow where you’ll be up high enough to get some great mountain views and some rolling hills.

From here we’re onto the Haul Road Trail and the Forest path for a few miles out and back to the Forest Service Welcome Center. This is one of the most beautiful and quiet stretches of the course where you’re off the roads and in the middle of the forest running amongst the towering ponderosa pines.

Once you get to the Welcome Center you’re going to turn back toward town and finish on an overall downhill 7-mile path back to the Old Mill. This makes for a great finish to the race as you run downhill from the forest, back into neighborhoods and into the heart of the Old Mill District for the finish where your family and friends await your arrival.

Where to Stay: There are lots of great places to stay in downtown Bend, including those that are mere steps from the starting line. However, when I come over to Central Oregon from the valley, I really love taking in one of the numerous awesome resorts that litter the area.

• Tetherow Resort
• Campfire Hotel
• Waypoint Hotel
• Wall Street Suites
• LOGE Bend

Where to Eat: Coming from the guy who previously wrote monthly posts entitled “Kegs & Legs“, it’s pretty evident that my recommendations would be beer-related. And, anyone who knows anything about Bend knows that this is one of the top 5 cities IN THE NATION when it comes to beer. I mean, Worthy Brewing has a telescope and Bend Brewing has expanded their footprint as well. However, instead of going into depth about individual breweries, I recommend checking out the Bend Ale Trail for all your brewery needs.

Perks: Aside from a great time and sweet course, all finishers will receive a shirt. The race always has great medals after the race and along the course, aid stations will carry water, electrolyte drink, GU gels, and GU Chews. Afterwards, recover with beer from Cascade Lakes Brewery.