Miles of Fun to Keep You Fit & Healthy

There is no shortage of runs and races in Central Oregon, for all levels. Some shorter family fun-runs will get your blood flowing during the cold weather with longer, tougher races to prepare you for a slate of spring runs. Here is a list of runs/walks in the coming months that may inspire you!

February

Sun. 15, Hot Cocoa Run — Bend

This 5K run coincides with WinterFest. Runners are motivated to reach the finish line with a full hot cocoa bar including toppings and, if desired, a splash of Crater Lake spirits. The untimed loop begins at 11am taking participants along both sides of the Deschutes River. Race entry includes admission to all three days of WinterFest. layitoutevents.com/events/

March

Sun. 1, Mastondon — Tumalo

This 10-ish mile race is a run through the Maston trail network on BLM land. Runners will see views of Cline Butte, the Deschutes River and Cascade mountains. It’s a relatively flat course with only 400’ elevation change. footzonebend.com/content/mastondon

Sat. 14, Lucky Leprechaun — Sisters

You’ll feel less guilty about raising a green pint on St. Patty’s day if you hit the ground in the Lucky Leprechaun. Runners and walkers can choose a 5K or 10K and are encouraged to wear green gear. The event finishes at the Luckey’s Woodsman with an Irish finisher party on the grassy knoll. runsignup.com/Race/OR/Sisters/LuckyLeprechaun5k10k2

Sun. 15, Paddy Pint Run — Prineville

The Paddy Pint run is another fun option the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. Runners/walkers can choose a 5K, 10K or 2-mile route which starts and finishes at Pioneer Park with an after party. paddypintrun.com/

April

Sat. 4, Incline Vista — Cline Butte

For the more serious runners, this race on multi-use trails on Cline Butte is 20 miles or 15K. All finishers receive a medal. The top three men/women/non-binary from each race will also receive prizes. alpinerunning.co/incline-vista

Sun. 12, Bend Marathon

This year is the 10^th anniversary for this race which offers a full or half marathon as well as a 5 and 10K option. The course will wind through west Bend parks and forests, partially along the Deschutes River. There’s also a free kids race, youth 5K and an afterparty. bend-marathon.com/

Sun. 12, Peterson Ridge Rumble — Sisters

There are three distances for this rugged race: the 20 or 40 mile and the trail marathon. The course, mostly on dirt roads, takes runners on uphill grinders and scenic downhills. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=131838

All finishers of the Salmon Run receive a medal. Credit: Lay It Out Events

Sat. 18, Salmon Run — Bend

The 38^th annual Salmon Run is one of Bend’s oldest races. The 5K, 10K and half marathons courses takes runners along the Deschutes River. Every runner receives a finisher’s medal. Top performers receive gift bags and awards. layitoutevents.com/events/

Sat. 25, Run for the Nations — Old Mill District

This family friendly run/walk is hosted by Westside Church & Bold Ventures. To celebrate a rich multicultural heritage, organizers encourage running teams to represent specific countries. There is also a one-mile race for children, prizes, medals and a raffle. give.boldventures.global/event/run-for-the-nations-5k/e352915

For more races visit: layitoutevents.com/events/and footzonebend.com/content/local-races

This article appears in the Source January 8, 2026.