Joe Kline / The Bulletin Happy Girls half marathon in Bend 05/26/14

The Happy Girls Run is marketed to just half of the population, but the women’s event — including a half marathon, 10K and 5K — has quickly become one of the biggest running festivals in Bend.

“I think it’s just a fun, camaraderie-based race,” said Emily Arredondo, event coordinator for Lay It Out Events, which is putting on the event for the fifth time. “I think the runners enjoy getting motivation from other women. There’s a lot of positive energy.”

Arredondo said 800 runners have signed up for the three races, and 65 youngsters have entered the Little Kids race. She said she expects more to register at packet pickup at Seventh Mountain Resort Conference Center this evening or before the race Saturday morning.

“Especially as the race gets closer, there are a lot of people who wait to the last minute to register,” Arredondo said. “Generally, we’re right about even at 1,000 participants.”

This year’s races will take place on Saturday instead of Sunday. Aside from a few minor tweaks, the courses are largely the same as last year. Race activities begin today at packet pickup, where early registrants can grab their race bibs and enjoy adult beverages and snacks.

The Happy Girls Run has benefited several local organizations since its inception four years ago, and this year a portion of the proceeds will go to Girls on the Run, a program sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club of Central Oregon that helps elementary school girls gain confidence and learn healthy habits while preparing for a 5K run.

“We have previously worked with Boys & Girls Club and they reached out to us again this year, and they really wanted to focus on Girls on the Run,” Arredondo explained. “They really go hand in hand, since it’s a race about motivating women.”

—Reporter: 541-383-0305,

vjacobsen@bendbulletin.com