It’s the Perfect Time to Start Planning for the Cascade Lakes Relay

Some races are about pace; some are about scenery. But relays? They’re about people. The shared miles, the van banter, the middle-of-the-night handoffs… it all builds a sense of camaraderie that’s hard to find anywhere else.

The Cascade Lakes Relay (June 26–27, 2026) captures everything that makes this state special—forests, high desert, mountain views, and good vibes with good people.

The Basics

The Cascade Lakes Relay (CRL36) covers 216.6 miles and is tackled by teams of up to 12 runners spread across 1-2 vehicles (depending on size)—your classic relay setup of vans, SUVs, Suburbans – whatever gets the job done. The race is broken into 36 legs ranging from 3–9 miles each. On a standard 12-person team, everyone runs three legs for roughly 18 total miles.

Have fewer people and like bigger challenges? Ultra teams (less than 12 runners) get to take on 4–6 legs per person. It’s a lot—but it’s also a lot of fun.

The Course

The adventure kicks off at Diamond Lake Resort in Southern Oregon and winds through the Oregon Outback before looping toward the Cascade Lakes Highway, around Mt. Bachelor, and finally into Bend. According to CRL itself, you’ll “see more cows than semi-trucks and smell pine trees instead of exhaust.”

Check out our 2025 recap here!

Expect around 32 hours of some of the best scenery Oregon has to offer and on a variety of different terrain – from roads to trails to gravel to dirt. There’s a little bit of everything.

Options for Everyone:

Not into running all those miles? You still have choices.

Walk Relay

Starting at Leg 18 in Willow Butte, the walk relay covers 94 miles split into 18 legs. Teams of 6–12 walkers complete the journey, with 12-person teams walking two legs each (about 11 miles total) and 8-person teams taking on three legs each. Plan for ~30 hours and an overnight trek.

CLR24

If you want the relay vibes but aren’t ready for the full shebang, enter CLR24. Teams of 6–12 runners start at Silver Lake (exchange #12) and cover the final 24 legs of the course. Twelve-person teams run two legs each; eight-person teams run three legs each. You still get all the same perks and the same finish-line celebration—just with fewer miles.

Things to Know

Like most long relays, CLR is primarily self-supported. Teams should bring their own water, food, and supplies, though the race will provide support at key points where vans can’t completely reach.

Each team also needs to provide volunteers—two for standard teams, one for Ultras. Or you can opt into the “Hire a Volunteer” program, which supports local charities and groups while covering your volunteer requirement.

Worried you don’t have a full team? No need. CLR offers a “Find a Team” spreadsheet where runners/walkers and teams can connect directly.

After the Finish

You’ll wrap up in Bend with a full-blown celebration at Riverbend Park—beer garden, food trucks, music, and all your new best relay friends. Friends and family can join the fun, too.

If you’ve never run a relay, put this one on your bucket list. The shared experience, the inside jokes, the long night stretches—it’s hard to describe unless you’ve been there.

And honestly? You should be there.