My Travel Journal

• Date: September 12, 2009 - September 13, 2009
• Region: Central Oregon
• Admission Cost: No

• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
• Bus Parking: Yes

The main event is an off-road half-marathon (13.1 mile/21km) that starts in the historic Old Mill District. While the Series best runners have already proven their worth in rollicking races around the nation, one-and-all are welcome to take them on and race for the championship as no qualification is necessary.

THE COURSE
Under a special use permit from the Deschutes National Forest, the national championship runs from downtown to pristine forest trails in a matter of miles then weaves along the scenic Deschutes River trail that serves up some of Bend's finest scenery.

Runners can expect a fast and fun course with lots of switchbacks on sandy, rocky, and dirt-strewn single and double track trails. There is a little more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and the first ½ -mile or so is on a paved urban trail on the east side of the river before crossing over the footbridge adjacent to Farewell Bend Park and onto west side dirt trails. From there the course follows the river trail upstream to a right turn that climbs past Mt. Bachelor Village and onto Haul Road. Once runners reach Entrada Lodge via Haul Road they'll travel in a counter-clockwise direction on the `jogging trail` and make their way towards Widgi Creek Golf course on single and double track trails along the rim of the Deschutes River Canyon. Where the Forest Service road meets the golf course racers head down to Meadow Camp, connect to the river trail and run back alongside the Deschutes. After a few final tests of skill and endurance, competitors return down the same track they embarked on and into an XTERRA-style celebration at the finish line located smack dab in Center Plaza of the Old Mill District (between Anthony’s and the Gap).

A Great Event For:

• Couples
• Outdoor Enthusiasts
• Teens/Young Adults

Where:

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