› Swim Course (1500 yds-Olympic, 1300 yds-sprint, 400 yds-youth)
A unique, down current swim in the Deschutes River! The swim start is on the beach area of Farewell Bend Park and exits at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Wetsuits are recommended. The average over the last five years has been 63 degrees.
The Youth Triathlon swim start begins much further down from the "adult" race start. If you're familiar with Bend's parks, we are using the "doggy park" water entrance at the River Bend Park (adjacent to the Old Mill District) for the swim start. No, you won't have to share the water with the canines!
Notes:
There are separate swim wave starts age groupers and "try a tri" participants. The number of waves will be determined by number of registered participants. The youth triathlon will be run as a separate race to allow parents to watch - see the schedule page for details. Swim waves and times will be posted in the Participant Handbook.
› Bike Course (12.5 miles, 25 miles, 6 miles-youth)
The bike course will be an out and back course. There is an incline on the way out and a descent on the way back in with approximately 1500 feet in elevation gain on the Olympic course and less than 300 feet in elevation gain on the Sprint course. A map overview can be downloaded here (PDF). .
Duathletes: starts will be time-trial style and 30 seconds apart. Duathletes will start in the parking lot next to the transition area.
› Run Course (5K or 10K Run, 1.5K-youth)
Download PDF of 2010 Run Course here
Elevation profile:
The sprint distance race run course is a single loop for the sprint distance race and two-loops for the Olympic Distance race. The surface is a combination of paved and packed dirt surfaces. It is a very flat run with virtually no elevation gain. “RUN” signs with directional arrows will also be placed around the course. Runners will cross two foot bridges that are also great spectator viewing locations.
There are two aid stations on the run courses. Olympic distance athletes will have an opportunity to use the aid station on each loop of the course. The first aid station will be just as runners leave the transition area. The second aid station will be at approximately the 1.5 mile mark (and 4.5 mile for Olympic distance athletes). The aid stations will offer both water and Gatorade.
The run for the youth triathlon is on a similar course, but will have a turn-off early and will be clearly marked with "YOUTH TRIATHLON" and a directional arrow.
› Transition Area (triathlon only)
The transition area is on soft grass just outside the Amphitheater. You can see the transition area on the detail map here (PDF). The duathlon will start from the parking lot adjacent to the transition area. Youth triathletes will have a separate area inside the main transition area. NOTE: only athletes are allowed in the transition area. If you are a parent participating in the race and also have a youth or junior in the race, you will not be allowed to help them or to be in the transition area with them!
› Spectator viewing/Road Closures and Parking
The Deschutes Dash is a great course for spectators to watch the swim, run and the finish. We've created a special spectator map for your family and friends to find the best places to watch you along the course (coming soon).
We have several detours in place to keep the bike course safe! Please make sure you review the detour map!
Parking: NO Parking is allowed in the Old Mill District's shops area. All athletes must park in the designated event parking area adjacent to the Les Schwab Amphitheater (Shevlin Hixon Drive).
