press release: registration opens for second annual bend marathon and half

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PICKY BARS RETURNS AS PRESENTING SPONSOR

(Bend, Ore.) – Registration has opened for the 2016 Bend Marathon and Half, presented by Picky Bars. It will take place April 24, 2016. Bend, Oregon is nationally known as a premier destination for outdoor sports, breathtaking scenery, and 300 days of sunshine. Bend has been named Best Trail Running Town in the nation in the past, but until last year did not have an annual road marathon. In 2015 the inaugural Bend Marathon and Half sold out the half marathon and garnered rave reviews:
 
Trust me, this is the latest addition to YOUR “Running Bucket List”. You won’t regret it. Prepare to be blown away.                             – Matt Rasmussen, Run Oregon
 
Several professional runners and triathletes call Bend home, including Picky Bars co-founders Jesse Thomas, Lauren Fleshman and Stephanie Bruce. Picky Bars is Presenting Sponsor of the Bend Marathon and Half for the second year running.
 
As a born and raised Bend guy, I know first hand this city’s amazing running environment, and the Bend Marathon and Half is a fantastic course that shows off the best of it. Picky Bars is honored and stoked to support and encourage people from all over the US to come join us for a super fun day in Bend!                            – Jesse Thomas, Picky Bars Co-Founder & CEO
 
Bend, Oregon has also been named Best Mountain Biking Town in America, Best Beer City 2014, one of Outside Magazine’s Best Stand-up Paddleboard getaway and Best Places to Work, National Geographic Adventure’s World’s Best Ski Towns, and even DogTown USA by Dog Fancy magazine.
 
Other race sponsors include FootZone Bend. The Bend Marathon and Half is proud to partner with American Cancer Society to provide funding for lifesaving research and support Bend-area programs for cancer patients and their families and early detection and education within the community.
 
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