Less Than 2 Months Until Bend Marathon Magic – A Decade of Bend-ing the Miles

After months of unpredictable weather, I feel like Spring has sneaked up on me. Luckily, I’ve managed to put in some solid miles, though it’s been a challenge. I’m beyond excited to put my hard work to use once again in this amazing race. I ran it back in 2015, and here’s what I had to say:

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

Now, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Bend Marathon, there’s still time to register—and we wanted to remind everyone what this iconic event has in store.

Courses

Over the years, the courses have evolved. The 10th running of this event mirrors the same as last year.

The course takes you on a scenic tour of the best that Bend has to offer. The route winds through the Old Mill District, Downtown Bend, NW Crossing, and beautiful mountain views. You’ll run along the Deschutes River, through 11 stunning Bend parks, past 9 aid stations, and 2 dedicated cheer stations, all while enjoying miles of winding forest paths. It’s undoubtedly one of the most picturesque courses out there.

The race starts in Bend’s Old Mill District, where parking is ample and the backdrop features historic mill buildings and shops. From there, you’ll take a quick tour of the Old Mill along the Deschutes River before heading through quiet neighborhoods showcasing some of Bend’s most beautiful homes. The course then takes you through vibrant Downtown Bend and the iconic Drake Park.

Next, you’ll travel through NW Crossing – “Bend’s Second Downtown” – passing through parks and neighborhoods before heading into the middle section of the course. Out SW of the city – near Tetherow – you’ll enjoy mountain views and some rolling hills as you work your way through the community.

From there, the course heads onto the Haul Road Trail and a peaceful forest path for a few miles out and back to the Forest Service Welcome Center. This is one of the quietest, most beautiful stretches of the course—running amongst towering ponderosa pines and away from the road.

After reaching the Welcome Center, you’ll turn back toward town and finish on a downhill 7-mile path back to the Old Mill. This creates an amazing final stretch, where you’ll race downhill from the forest, through neighborhoods, and back into the heart of the Old Mill District, where your family and friends will be waiting to cheer you across the finish line.

Where to Stay

Bend offers plenty of great places to stay, many just steps from the starting line. But when I make my way over from the valley, I love staying at one of the area’s incredible resorts. Here are some of my favorites:

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

Where to Fuel and Recover

If you know me, you know my recommendations would definitely include some breweries. Bend is known as one of the top 5 beer cities in the nation, with places like Worthy Brewing (which has a telescope!) and Bend Brewing, which has expanded its footprint over the years. Rather than going into detail about individual breweries, I suggest checking out the Bend Ale Trail to explore the city’s beer scene.

Perks

This race offers more than just a beautiful course. All finishers will receive a race shirt, and there are always amazing medals at the finish line. Along the course, you’ll find aid stations stocked with water, electrolyte drinks, GU gels, and GU Chews. After the race, you can recover with beer from Cascade Lakes Brewery—a perfect way to celebrate your achievement!

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Bend Marathon, it’s the perfect time to join the tradition and experience all the beauty and excitement this race has to offer. Don’t wait—register today!