This course turns from dirt road to singletrack in the first half mile and stays single track for the next 9.5. The course is mostly uphill for the first 5 miles with much of the gain for the whole loop coming from miles 2-5. The one aid station is located at mile 5.4 after which you get a break from climbing until the short but memorable bump just after mile 8. The remainder of the course is fairly flat with some of the most technical footing coming in the last quarter mile. This course weather permitting, is in my opinion one of the most visually appealing courses. Great views of the high desert and mountains can be had especially on the way back in from the aid station. If you have never done this event put it on your to do list!
We do have a rule that to get a course record you must be dressed in western wear. Jean shorts and western shirt at a minimum. I highly suggest a cowboy hat.
Where
The race starts and finishes at Horse Butte in Bend, Oregon. Directions to the race from Footzone:
Turn left off of Wall Street at Franklin, take first left onto Bond Street, proceed North on Bond to Greenwood and turn right. Stay on Greenwood for 2.5 miles until you reach 27th Street, turn right on 27th and head south on 27th for 3.5 miles and take a left onto Rickard. Travel 2 miles on Rickard and take a right onto Billadeau Road. In one mile cross Arnold Market and you are now on Horse Butte Road.In a mile Horse Butte road will turn to gravel road FS 1815 take your first right in about a 1/3 of a mile. Park where instructed by Volunteers. You can Google Map Horse Butte Bend, Or and it will come up.
Aid Station
Due to COVID aid stations will not provide water or nutrition. Please carry what you need to complete the course. Communications will be accessible at each aid station should you require assistance.
Packet Pick up
We will be complying with COVID distancing and mask guidelines during packet pick up. Packet Pick up will take place at the Footzone located in downtown Bend Friday April 2nd from 12-5pm or race day at the start finish out at Horse Butte beginning at 7:30. Footzone address 842 NW Wall St Bend, OR 97701.
COVID PRECAUTIONS
START: To maintain distance between runners we will be employing a ten second separation between runners. We will be starting 1 runner every 10 seconds.
Masks: Masks must be worn when you start. On course you must have access to a mask and cover your nose and mouth when 6ft distance can’t be achieved, such as when passing occurs.
PACE: Be sure to submit a realistic race pace during registration as we will organize start order based on that submitted pace. All races are chip timed so actual race time won’t start until you cross the start mat.
POST RACE: Unfortunately due to the pandemic we will NOT be able to gather as a group like we normally do. That means no post race festivities or beer garden. We will still have sweet finishers prizes and some kind of post race food for you to enjoy after you complete the course.
April 3, 2021
09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
$50