Organizers of the famed Pole Pedal Paddle race have announced Bend artist Caya Christiansen as the winner of the event’s design contest.

The 47th Pole Pedal Paddle will take place between Bend and Mt. Bachelor on May 17. It features skiing, biking, paddling and running events, done either individually or as part of a team.

Christiansen, 22, created a design that features three of the seven key Pole Pedal Paddle legs — alpine skiing at Mt. Bachelor, biking down Century Drive and canoeing on the Deschutes River. The images are embedded in the words Pole Pedal Paddle. Surrounding the title are illustrations of the gear used in each event.

Christiansen moved to Bend in the eighth grade, graduated from Summit High School in 2021, and is currently studying architecture in Munich, Germany. She will receive $500 in prize money, as well as a commemorative mug and race clothing featuring her drawing. Her artwork will appear on posters, apparel, prizes, and other promotional and event-related materials.

Christiansen created the drawing digitally on her iPad using Procreate. The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation said around 90% of submissions were made digitally with similar tools.

The public voted on the final submissions, which drew more than 1,400 responses.

In addition to the drawing contest winner, organizers have announced the opening of the online early bird registration period for the race.

A youth drawing contest for the Mini PPP (youth version of the Pole Pedal Paddle) has also been announced and will open on Saturday. The winning design will be the featured artwork for the Mini PPP and the winning artist will be awarded free entry into the race. The Mini PPP, scheduled for May 18, is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Contest rules are listed on the PPP website (pppbend.com) and entries must be received by 4 p.m. on Feb 21.