From scenic city streets to exciting trail adventures, the Bend Races team is planning another epic running season. Kicking off 2024 is Bend's cherished early
Several running events are scheduled in Central Oregon for the coming year. A marathon through a majestic forest, a 10K along the beautiful Deschutes river, and a half marathon through historical downtown Redmond. Those are a few of the running events planned for 2023 by Lay It Out Events. This line-up of races begins in April with the 33rd Annual Salmon Run and continues through the mid-August Haulin' Aspen trail runs through the Deschutes National Forest. The 2023 race season kicks off with one of Bend's oldest and most beloved events, The Salmon Run, featuring 5K, 10K and a half marathon courses running alongside the majestic Deschutes River. The Salmon Run is one of the first half marathons of the year in the Northwest and is a testing ground for those looking to be a factor on the racing scene. The popular Little Fry run, part of the Pacific Source Kids Rock the Races series, is a non-competitive, healthy event for kids 3-10 with each finisher receiving a ribbon.
Saving Grace will host a free community event on May 21 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Riverbend Park to celebrate the Heroes that make their life-saving work possible. In partnership with Lay It Out Events and the Happy Girls Run, the Heroes Celebration will take place immediately after the run and will include a live band, libations, and food trucks, plus the presentation of awards to volunteers, community partners, and survivors. "After an unprecedented two years of impact on survivors, Saving Grace has been able to keep the community safe and support women, children and families during their most challenging times," says Executive Director, Cassi MacQueen. "Saving Grace Heroes are the incredible staff, dedicated volunteers, generous community members, and resilient survivors that stand for safety, hope and healing every day." MacQueen says. The day kicks off with the Happy Girls 5k, 10k, and Half Marathons, starting at 9 a.m. from Riverbend Park. According to race orga