Bend Marathon Initiatives
At the Bend Marathon we don't just want to put on a great race, we want to make Bend a better place to live and visit. Being able to utilize what's great about the Bend Marathon to build a stronger, more healthy community was our primary goal when taking on this endeavor. Of course our #1 priority is you, our racers, but we think these two things go hand-in-hand and we can do both to make it a better experience for our runners and our community. Read what we've been working on since 2020 to make this race better.
Environmental sustainability
Yeah, this is a big one for us. Most running events create a burden on the environment that we feel is avoidable through better sustainability practices. That's why we've implemented changes that will help keep our waste at a minimum, reduce our carbon footprint, and use more sustainable materials. Some are small changes, others are bigger but all of them make a difference.
Bend is also a great place to recreate but recreation locations require upkeep, maintenance, and money to keep our outdoor spaces looking great. That's part of the reason we've partnered with the Bend Sustainability Fund. Money that the fund brings in is disbursed to organizations that help upkeep our parks, trailheads, and recreation centers around the Central Oregon area. Reusable Materials, Locally Sourced As many of our course and finish line materials are reusable products that we can use year-to-year rather than throwing them away after each use. From banners, table clothes, water containers, to food containers. We've also tried to contract with local vendors to reduce the transportation aspect of shipping materials wherever possible. Medals We love big heavy medals as much as you do, but you have to admit there is large use of energy in casting metal and then shipping all that metal back over the ocean. That's why this year we are going to a spectacular wooden medal designed by our friends at Araviapa Artworx in Phoenix. Not only are the wood medals made in the USA but they are biodegradable and shipping is less energy dependent. And did we mention they look fantastic?! Working Toward Cupless Yes, that's right, we see the massive amounts of trash created by events and didn't feel right about continuing that trend so we're working toward a cupless race. Due to the waste that is generated we are encouraging you to consider going cupless. We'll have fast fill stations that will allow a seamless transition to going cupless. What does that mean for you? Find out more on our info page. Disposables Some disposables are inevitable with a large event like this so we've sourced disposables that are recyclable or compostable to keep it out of the landfill. Beer cups - compostable. Beer cans and other beverage containers - recyclable. |
Social responsibilityWe think promoting health and wellness through running is probably the best way to make a big difference in people's lives but beyond that an event like this can do even more.
Healthy Economies We're a big believer in shopping small to help boost the local economy. Wherever we can we've contracted with local vendors and sourced local materials so that your race registration fees go back into the local Bend economy. Race Banners - Bend Food - Bend Water - Culver Medals - Small company in Phoenix operated by runners Beer - BEND/REDMOND! Sponsors - Bend Printing - Bend Timer - Eugene/Bend Waste Management - Bend YOUR RACE DIRECTORS - BEND! Corporate Wellness We've created a comprehensive corporate wellness program and partnered with several local companies to promote health and wellness in the workplace. Corporate Wellness Program |
Kids race
For the past 12 years Kari and Max have invested countless hours into the Central Oregon Running Klub's youth program and we felt like this was a great opportunity to have a broader reach within the community to promote health and wellness to the next generation and throw a big event. Our hope is that the Bend Marathon Kids Race will continue to grow over the years into the largest youth event in Central Oregon.
Kids Race Page |
Logos designed by Melissa Bierlein @ Bierlein Design
“Out on the roads, there is fitness and self-discovery and the persons we were destined to be.” - George Sheehan