Embrace the Joy of Running at the Happy Girls Half Marathon (10k/5k) in Bend

A huge part of what keeps many runners going is community, and there’s a huge sense of that with the Happy Girls Run Series. This year the Happy Girls Bend Half Marathon/10k/5k is in it’s 14th year, and it’s on May 11th, so mark your calendar now. This is a great opportunity to come to Central Oregon for a truly fun run among fantastic and strong women!

This race kicks off the race season in Bend and you’ll get a little of everything that it has to offer in scenery during this race.. some trails, some groomed paths, and some city paved surfaces as well.

The swag for this event is off-the-charts cute and fun, but the best part of Happy Girls is that it’s truly meant to be an experience that embraces women of all sizes, ages, and abilities. Half marathon finishers will get a custom designed cap this year and the 10k and 5k participants will get custom socks (and what runner doesn’t love socks?)

Packet pick-up will be on Friday, May 10th from 2:00PM to 5:30PM at Footzone in Downtown Bend. Hang out and chat and shop for some new running gear while you’re there. If you can’t make it that day, there will also be race day pick-up 1 hour before your race start.

Once you cross that finish line, you’ll get your gift bag, a finisher’s medal, and even a sunflower. I did this race last year, and those flowers will bring a smile to your face. Additional gift bags full of wonderful goodies will go to the top three finishers in both open and master’s categories and there are ribbons for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age group.

There’s also a great after party at Riverbend Park, which is where the race starts and ends. Adult beverages and food will be provided, and there will be local fitness and other vendors on hand there to check out.

The Happy Girls Run benefits a great cause too with Saving Grace as their beneficiary.