By JANAY WRIGHT • The Bulletin

Bend’s quintessential multisport fundraising event, Pole Pedal Paddle, returns Saturday.

It’s the 46th edition of a Central Oregon tradition that was established in 1977. What began as a grassroots fundraising effort has grown into a community event that attracts athletes worldwide.

The race sprawls from the slopes of Mount Bachelor to the Old Mill District with six components including Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, biking, running, paddling and a sprint race.

“It continues to be the ultimate celebration of the outdoor lifestyle that Central Oregon provides,” said Marieka Greene, events and financial development director at Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF).

Greene has helped with the race for around 20 years and been involved even longer as a participant, she said. This year she is also acting as race director.

Benefiting Central Oregon youth sports

Pole Pedal Paddle is the primary fundraising event for MBSEF, a nonprofit creating opportunities in competitive snow sports for athletes. The organization aims to raise approximately 30% of its operating costs, Greene said.

“When people participate in Pole Pedal Paddle, not only are they participating in a much-loved community event, they are supporting youth sports directly here in Central Oregon,” she said.

The elite wave draws athletes nationwide, including Olympians, world-class adventure racers and nationally ranked athletes. But Greene said what makes the race special is there’s also the other end of the spectrum: families of four competing together with Mom and Dad and the kids, college friends reuniting to win the costume contest and midlife competitors who just want to finish.

Most participants compete in teams, but there’s also a dedicated group of individual racers. Greene recalls that last year’s race involved five men competing individually in the 75 and older category.

“It’s a really superinclusive event, especially for one that requires as much athletic active commitment as this one does,” she said.

2024 course updates

Several changes have been made to the 2024 course. Riverbend Park will serve as both a transition zone and a finish area. As a result, the paddle leg will take place in the same section of the Deschutes River but will flow in an alternate direction, allowing more room in Riverbend Park. Spectators stand to benefit from the alternate route, as they’ll be able to watch all the action from the same area.

The sprint has been shortened from about a mile to 0.4 miles, making its length more representative of its name.

Greene urges spectators to use a bike as transportation to the event “in the spirit of outdoor living.” A concert takes place at Hayden Homes Amphitheater the same evening, making parking extremely limited.