Some Suggestions for your Summer Race Schedule.

As the weather slowly but surely comes around and the sun stays out longer it has got us all thinking about (and wishing for) summer. The brand new RaceCenter NW has made it's appearance in the shop and it's time to start making some race plans for the upcoming months. Here is a little summary of what's coming up...

Local 5ks & 10ks All Summer Long...

We are lucky to have such an abundance of local fun runs and fundraiser 5ks and 10ks. These events are great community builders and support an array of local causes and groups. Events are scheduled all summer long, especially once the weather gets warm. Take a look at this summers ever growing list of local events:

Saturday, May 7th - SolAire Salmon Run 5k & 10k: Run from Riverbend Park to support The Environmental Center and raise awareness and education about local sustainability.

Friday, May 8th - Lapine High School Congrats Grads 5k: Support Lapine HS Grad Night with this 5k run/walk that starts and ends at the Lapine HS track. Call Jenifer @ 541-610-6355 with any questions.

Saturday, June 4th - Three Sisters Marathon, Marathon Relay & 5k: Join in on the first annual Three Sisters Marathon with a loop around Eagle Crest Resort in the mild early summer sun. Proceeds benefit the Run for Eva Trust Fund and the Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon.

Sunday, June 5th - Heaven Can Wait 5k: Help raise funds for Sara's Project and raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer with this run/walk through Drake Park.

Saturday, June 18th - Redmond Dry Canyon 5k/10k: Funds from this run go back to support our local youth and inspire future runners through the Redmond High School Track & Field Program.

Sunday, June 26th - Pacific Crest 5k & 10k: Join in among the 4,000+ athletes for the racing, expo and live entertainment during Pac-Crest Endurance Weekend at Sunriver.

Monday, July 4th - Spark Your Heart 5k: Before you head to the parade downtown start your Independence Day off right with this run that raises awareness about cardiac health in our community.

Saturday, July 9th - Smith Rock Summer Classic 5k, 10k & Half Marathon: Smith Rock isn't just for world class climbers, it's also a trail runner's paradise. Make the drive out to Terrebonne for this Summer time classic.

Saturday & Sunday, July 16th & 17th - Deschutes Dash 5k & 10k: Join the swimmers, bikers and runners as part of the Deschutes Dash Sports Weekend held in the Old Mill District for the 10k on Saturday and the 5k on Sunday.

Saturday, August 13th - Running is for the Birds 5k & 10k: Support the Sunriver Nature Center & Conservancy with this event run along the shaded paths in Sunriver.

Wednesday, August 17th - Deschutes Brewery Twilight 5k: Break up your work week with this evening race from the Deschutes Brewery and enjoy a Twilight Ale on your cool down.

Something a little different, but just as local...

If you are looking for something that is a little longer or has an extra twist on the average fun run. Try these great events scheduled for this summer.

Thursday, May 5th, 12th & 26th - May Race Series presented by COCC: This three week series will keep you on your toes and coming back for more with a different challenge each time.

1. 6 Mile Relay Create a 2, 3 or 4 person team to alternate every 400m and cover 6 miles on the track as quickly as possible.



2. Jungle Run A challenging four or two mile trail run that is full of mud bogs, steep ascents and log crossings. Catch a snake along the way and get a prize.



3. 16th Annual Storm the Stairs Climb 300 stairs over 2 miles and then enjoy a post race BBQ lunch.

Saturday, May 28th - Happy Girls Half Marathon: Ladies, prepare to be pampered at this great new event. The turnout will be huge, the pacers will be handsome and the race medals are sterling silver and as cute as can be. You don't want to miss out on this one!

Saturday, June 4th - Three Sisters Marathon: Take a loop around Eagle Crest Resort and beyond as you enjoy the snow capped skyline in this early summer marathon.



Sunday, June 12th - The Dirty Half Marathon: This summer time classic is turning ten and gets a route-change to celebrate. Confirmed as the USATF Trail Running National Championships. This race is sure to fill up fast since it is capped at 800 participants... so get your entry in today.

Friday & Saturday, August 5th & 6th - Cascade Lakes Relay: Call in 11 of your running buddies to create a running teams or 5 of your ultra-running buddies for an ultra-running team and cover the 216 beautiful miles from the Cascade Lakes to Bend over two days.

Sunday, August 7th - Haulin' Aspen Marathon, Half Marathon and 7 miler: Race through the summer heat and dust in this summer time favorite at Shevlin Park.







Take a trip outside Central Oregon...

A road or trail race can be the perfect inspiration you need to head out of town to try a new adventure. Check out these trip worthy events:



Sunday, May 1st - Lilac Bloomsday Road 12k: Road trip up to Spokane for the 35th running of the Bloomsday 12k and enjoy the on course performers that line the entire course.

Saturday, June 11th - Helvetia Half Marathon & Drop Top 10k: This homegrown event features a surprisingly hilly and challenging course that dips and rolls through the pretty country fields outside Portland.

Monday, July 4th - Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon & Full Marathon: Get yourself a nice PR on this flat and smoking fast course. Plus fresh strawberry shortcake at the finish line.

Saturday, July 9th - Siskiyou Out Back (SOB) 15k & 50k: If you are looking for a challenging mountain top trail run make the drive down to Southern Oregon and up 6,500 feet to the top of Mt Ashland for this sky high treat full of dust, rocks and warm, thin air.

Sunday, July 10th - Fueled by Fine Wine Half Marathon: Nothing complements 13.1 miles like a fine Pinot Noir from the great Northwest and the scenic views from the Dundee Hills.