This course is challenging and fun. The scenery is spectacular. No chance at being bored here.

Excellent run, nice weather, nice volunteers. However, there was a problem near the end of the run near Galveston Street and the elementary schools where I was lost on the race course and some good Bend local citizens guided me in the right direction to finish the run. Maybe put some volunteers to guide the runners next time.

I enjoyed the run. There are some long stretches between portable restrooms, so utilizing opportunities to do so is a must. Scenery was excellent and the fall weather was great!

Great course

Lots of hills

Challenging terrain

Virtually no traffic control....major problems for miles on O. B. Riley Road...what were they thinking??

Very unorganized aid stations

Miles and miles with no water at the stations

Fun atmosphere

Great town

Needs much better planning and organization

Great potential



Will do it again!

Read all the comments about the 'Just Around the Bend Marathon.' I agree with many of the posted comments.

Positives: Great course, very challenging, lots of hills, many elevation changes, fun atmosphere, neat friendly town.

Bad: Very poor planning on the aid stations... many were out of water... many out of all power drinks... poor traffic control... a six-mile stretch with cars driving by constantly... few spectators... and it was very vague on where to run when entering Drake Park.

For a first year marathon, it was good. Lots of room for improvement. Bend is a gorgeous, fun town in October.

Solid first attempt at a marathon.

Will do it again!!

I totally agree with the positive comments left. The small town, simple feel of this marathon made is just perfect! No heavy crowds, no frenzy to the start, no worry about a chip on your shoe. Very relaxed and laid back. Racewalking division? I've run dozens of big marathons and have never seen a racewalking division. There were a few nice folks who came out to cheer. If you want the big marathons, and need the large cheering crowds, go to Portland.

Just around the Bend is a hilly course, but lovely views and friendly support. I'm very impressed with the whole thing. Due to the small field of runners and cost of course, the course was open to traffic, but went smoothly. Sunday morning traffic in Bend is light anyway. I plan on doing this race again! Thank you.

Forget previous negative comments. This is a small town marathon without extra frills of large mass marathons. No chip? Big deal. Less than 100 starters, so use your watch. No electronic or called out time, get over it. This marathon is meant to be enjoyed for its simple setting. I paid no mind to my watch.

A 7 am dark start? I could see fine running through downtown with street lights on. Aid stations ran outta water/energy drink? First time marathons often do at the first aid stations, experienced marathoners know this and come prepared, so, I brought my water bottle.

Go to Portland if you want the fancy extras of a mass of runners for a stressed-out marathon. This is a no-stress race! Enjoy the simple things again. Finish line is in a pretty green park. Please keep this race simple, that's what made it so nice.

This was their first year, and they did a fantastic job. Small field, but what a friendly atmosphere. Where else can you wake up 30 min before the start and make it? Course is not PR - lots of hills, some 3 miles of trail (what I liked) and finish on the grass, but the views are well worth the suffering. Three sisters and Mt. Bachelor with fresh snow over the farms with pretty horses... spectators are sparse, but they make up with their loud and heartfelt cheer. No traffic closure - good for support and no problems for runners as cars are few and between and volunteers do a superb job holding it. It will be a hit and hopefully will not lose a homey feeling to it. Nice little medal to finishers. Loved it and highly recommend to everyone. Bend is a small town with a huge touch of hospitality.

Bend's first 'Just Around the Bend' Marathon was held today, October 11.

The course took us through the beautiful landscape that surrounds Bend... breathtaking views of the Cascades... gorgeous walks along the roaring Deschutes River... clean, dry fall air in Bend... absolutely gorgeous day, but very, very cold at the dark 7 am start (below 30?).

The course was very challenging with lots of hills and elevation gains... miles 12-21 are an endless series of elevation gains and losses, with a steep ascent out of beautiful Shevlin Park Road just at the 'wall' point... but it was fun and challenging!!!

For a first year marathon, it has some strong points and some weak points in its inaugural run. Fun start (though dark and very cold) with a nice shirt... nice volunteers...

But....

...no electronic chips... no times on the course at all... none electronic or even yelled out... no quarter, half, 3/4 times... no water for many runners for the first six miles (the first five stations said they ran out)... no power drinks until about mile eight (they said they ran out).

Virtually no spectators on the course, particularly when you ran out of the city limits (man was it lonely out on Tumalo Reservoir Road). No traffic control outside of the town (and little in it). We battled the cars on OB Riley Road for miles... bikers, cars, and other runners were all over the course... running through the Old Mill District on the sidewalks in front of all the shops was a major accomplishment without running into all the shoppers.

No racewalk division.

And only one week after Portland!!!!!!!!!

For a first year it was fun... hope they improve on the mistakes next year.