If there is only one song you know by Beethoven, it is his Symphony No. 5. You can literally search online for the “dun dun dun dunnnnn song” and find exactly the one you know. During my own little trip down the rabbit hole, I found this fantastic choreographed scene to the whole song (stick around for the happy ending). Luckily, the Beat Beethoven 5K uses the full version of the piece so you get…
Here in Oregon we have some of the very best race organizers, and one of the best is Alpine Running, who continues to put on well organized events in amazing places. One such event is the Old Cascadia 50 mile/20 mile trail race near Santiam Junction, high in the Willamette National Forest. The area is known for its amazing single track trails and steep climbs, as well as views for days. To get those views,…
It’s time to register for Bend’s oldest foot race: The Bigfoot 10K Run. Running since 1976, this event is a fast downhill course with almost 500 feet of elevation loss. Starting at the Cascade Lakes Welcome Center, the course winds downhill on a bike path then connects to the Deschutes River Trail and finishes at Riverbend Park. The course is half pavement and half smooth, wide trail. Please note: parking will be available at Inn…
Ever since Laz put on the backyard ultra, several race organizers have jumped into the game. One such group is Go Beyond, who has successfully created an amazing event in Bend called Lastest Not Fastest. For those not familiar with backyard ultra events, often referred to as “last person standing” event, the goal is simple; don’t quit until everyone else does. Sounds easy right? For reference, last year’s winner (a good friend of mine) made…
A one day relay in Central Oregon in the fall? Yes, please! It’s time to gather your team of 4 to 6 people and register for 2022 Hood to Coast High Desert Relay. This event starts and ends at Rim Rock Riders in Powell Butte. The 64 mile loop running course relay takes runners to Alfalfa and you’re promised breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains, Smith Rock. the Prineville Reservoir and the Crooked River. The…
Bend is a Craft Beer lovers paradise. Sporting over 22 breweries, it has become a mecca of hoppy and malty goodness. Bend is also quite an awesome place for local festivals and events (part of the reason I desperately want to move there). Combine those two awesome things with a run and you have a trifecta of awesome – the Annual Bend Beer Run. This race, which will take place on Saturday, September 3rd, is…
Alpine Running continues to add amazing races to their lineup and while I’ve done a handful, this one has eluded me year after year. Don’t be like me – sign up and get on these dreamy trails! The Three Sisters Skyline is a great end-of-summer-but-not-quite-fall timeframe on September 24th this year and once again offers the 50K and half marathon distance options. Both courses are considered “fast” by trail running standards, however, the 50K gets…
BADCAT? More like BADASS!!! For those of you hardcore ultra runners and athletes out there, perhaps you’ve been looking for an event to take your badassery (is that a word?) up a notch. Perhaps a mere 100 mile ultra run was too easy for you. Or maybe that Ironman Tri was a walk in the park. Maybe it’s time you signed up for the BADCAT! What is the BADCAT Ultra Distance Triathlon? Only one of…
Although it feels like summer has just begun, the Giddy Up 5K Ranch Run in Sisters is already around the corner on August 20th at Pole Creek Ranch. This new chip-timed run and walk will take racers through the ranch (a portion of its 375-acre property), down the private country roads, and will have incredible views in just 5K! Finishers will receive a custom cowboy bandana, a campfire mug, a cowbell medal, and a beer…
It’s summer, it’s ultra season, and the 2022 Oregon Cascades 100 will be back for it’s second year. This race, brought to us by the never disappointing Alpine Running, is a Western States 100 qualifier and it’s being held on the weekend of August 27th and 28th this year. This race is a gorgeous point-to-point course that begins in breathtaking Bend at Pacific Crest Middle School and takes runners into Sisters for some rugged terrain…
