I ran the Bend Marathon as a first timer and had a fantastic time. The event was extremely organized and well put together. The course was the perfect tour of … MORE
I ran the Bend Marathon as a first timer and had a fantastic time. The event was extremely organized and well put together. The course was the perfect tour of Bend with great views of the mountains and Deschutes river. Aid stations were set up with plenty of water and snacks and the volunteers were so kind in cheering me on. I will definitely be back!
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Spectacular Event
I ran the Bend Marathon as a first timer and had a fantastic time. The event was extremely organized and well put together. The course was the perfect tour of … MORE
I ran the Bend Marathon as a first timer and had a fantastic time. The event was extremely organized and well put together. The course was the perfect tour of Bend with great views of the mountains and Deschutes river. Aid stations were set up with plenty of water and snacks and the volunteers were so kind in cheering me on. I will definitely be back!
Well organized and supported!
I ran this as my second full marathon, and knew that I was getting into something tricky with the altitude and elevation gain. This race was extremely well organized; I … MORE
I ran this as my second full marathon, and knew that I was getting into something tricky with the altitude and elevation gain. This race was extremely well organized; I watched this awesome crew setting up for days beforehand, and the course marking was incredible! The volunteers were super supportive and the communication was consistent throughout the week leading up to the marathon.
I did not love that the kids race was finishing right around the time many average runners were finishing their marathons. We had toddlers and strollers running all over the course for the last half mile or so, and on exhausted legs I was not only worried I’d cause a collision but I also couldn’t push at the finish because I was worried about taking out a family of four.
I’m glad I did it, had a total blast in Bend, and know that those 26.2 miles were no joke!
Central Oregons Best Race
I’ve done the half and full many times!! It absolutely lived up to its reputation for the beauty in central Oregon and of course the expert organization. The Bend races … MORE
I’ve done the half and full many times!! It absolutely lived up to its reputation for the beauty in central Oregon and of course the expert organization.
The Bend races are literally the most gorgeous runs in Bend!! After the event is a free kids race and my littles LOVE being apart of the big day!! The award ceremony is always special! After the race you can take part in the best local beer and food Bend has to offer!!
Have your friends join! It’s literally the best of the best!! Stay for the weekend and soak up all Bend has to offer! And Max King and Kari Strang are literally the coolest race organizers that have ever existed! It’s opportunity to just be around them🙌🙌
Prep the hills!
Pro's: Lots of Gu/Chews on course along with water/hydration, quality long sleeve shirts, offered race morning packet pickup, pacers in a wide range for the half and full, finish line … MORE
Pro’s: Lots of Gu/Chews on course along with water/hydration, quality long sleeve shirts, offered race morning packet pickup, pacers in a wide range for the half and full, finish line food and alcohol
Con’s: Hilly, a few parts that are on trail – need to be careful as there were sprained ankles
Hilly with a mix of trail, and roads.
Bring water support with you, there were many aid stations along the course, but on some of the longer hills, had this been a warmer day extra water would be … MORE
Bring water support with you, there were many aid stations along the course, but on some of the longer hills, had this been a warmer day extra water would be good to have. The race was well managed for it’s 5th year and a new course, all the staff and volunteers where friendly and helpful. If you need crowd support to help you get through a course, this may not be a good choice for you, but where there were cheering crowds, they were loud an excited for you.
Poorly planned & a let down
Someone up top must’ve made a lot of money off of the thousands of people who registered for this event because the funding was not put into taking care of … MORE
Someone up top must’ve made a lot of money off of the thousands of people who registered for this event because the funding was not put into taking care of the participants. The race shirts were not ordered ahead of time nor were they ready by race day. Half of the aid stations and the finish line did not have cups for water. The water given at the aid stations was warm. The medal was a joke in comparison to previous medals awarded for this event and did not specify what distance was completed. There weren’t any gummy bears (gasp!). My running partners and I all agree that we won’t be running this race again based off of our experience. Such a let down- last year was great and it is usually such a well organized event.
Great course and great scenery
Lots of turns in the course but only because they were taking you to the best parts of Bend including into the forest for quiet but scenic stretch that you … MORE
Lots of turns in the course but only because they were taking you to the best parts of Bend including into the forest for quiet but scenic stretch that you don’t get in other marathons.
The course is hilly and some might suggest hard but it isn’t that bad if you run a few hills in training.
Overall a great race!
Fun, Easy, Perfect Weather Course
The weather for this race couldn't have been better. The run is mostly flat with one big area of uphill. Production of the race was very organized. The race has … MORE
The weather for this race couldn’t have been better. The run is mostly flat with one big area of uphill. Production of the race was very organized. The race has nice areas with trees and threw downtown but mostly in neighborhoods so nothing to exiting to see. Not much Race Swag but the free official race shirt was probably the best one I have ever gotten & the Medal was amazing! And of course Bend is such a great place for a weekend trip.
One of the best
I have run almost 60 half marathons and this is one of my top 2. While it was listed as a fast flat course, flat Oregon is completely different than … MORE
I have run almost 60 half marathons and this is one of my top 2. While it was listed as a fast flat course, flat Oregon is completely different than flat Wisconsin. You will be running through mountains. However, the scenery here is amazing. There were plenty of water stops. The local community is a true gem. The medal is the biggest one I have. Even bigger than a horseshoe I have as a medal from another race. It is a bit in the middle of nowhere but well worth the trip!
Fun race in a fun city
The Bend Marathon was well organized, well put together, and a lot of fun. The miles running to and from the turnaround point didn't have the best scenery, but overall … MORE
The Bend Marathon was well organized, well put together, and a lot of fun. The miles running to and from the turnaround point didn’t have the best scenery, but overall a great race with good swag!
My favorite marathon!
I’ve run this marathon every year (but once when I volunteered for it instead) since this race started. It was my first marathon and the course has changed quite a … MORE
I’ve run this marathon every year (but once when I volunteered for it instead) since this race started. It was my first marathon and the course has changed quite a bit since the first year. Yes, there are hills. But they are manageable with some hill training so not too bad. I absolutely love the energy, the people, the scenery and the after party. It’s a really wonderful race that always gives me the good feelings and has me coming back each year!
Pros:
Scenery. I love this town. The course takes you through some neighborhoods, some paved trails and some dirt. A little bit of everything.
Gear: The race shirts are my favorite and the first one I grab from the drawer for a training run. Last year they added craft gear to the line up and I am stoked because Craft + Bend Marathon = ❤️ The logos are sweet too. Recently they’ve changed the logos each year and the designs are always cool.
Medals: stunning. The medals are wood and are a delightful change from the common medal ones. And I love the designs. Really beautiful stuff.
Aid stations: These people are stoked to be out there. So much energy and it’s a great pick-me-up. Sometimes they will even have a dance party with you as you run by.
Cons
I don’t have any. 😂 It’s a beautiful race.