Early bird pricing for the 47th SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle — the Northwest’s premier multisport event — is nearing its April 13 deadline.

The annual event in Bend that includes alpine and cross-country skiing, cycling, running, and paddling is scheduled for May 17.

Discounted early bird registration ranges from $55 per person for 12-and-under teams to $125 for elite athletes racing as individuals. After the early bird period ends, prices for all categories will increase 16%, with the registration deadline closing on May 12. Participants can register as individuals, pairs, or teams at PPPBend.com.

“This year’s event is already shaping up to be another unforgettable experience for the Central Oregon community, and we encourage anyone interested in competing to sign up now to secure the best pricing,” said Amy Tarnow, executive director of the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, which runs the PPP as a fundraiser.

For those wishing to be involved without competing, volunteer sign-ups for race setup, race day, and the SELCO Kids’ Mini PPP are still open. Each year, MBSEF relies on the support of hundreds of volunteers for both the Pole Pedal Paddle and the Kids’ Mini PPP. Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up at pppbend.com/volunteer/.

“Local volunteers have been essential in ensuring that both the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle and SELCO Kids’ Mini PPP run smoothly while remaining fun, vibrant events that are deeply rooted in the community,” Tarnow said. “Continuing the PPP tradition would not be possible without their help. Those who sign up early help us better prepare and organize to ensure our whole team is ready for the big day.”

Held each May, the Pole Pedal Paddle has been a Central Oregon tradition since 1976 and annually attracts thousands of competitors from the Northwest and beyond. The event is also a critical fundraiser for MBSEF, a Central Oregon nonprofit that “creates opportunities through competitive snow sports programs to support athletes in achieving their individual athletic, academic, and personal goals,” according to mbsef.org.

The multisport race includes alpine and cross-country skiing, cycling, running, and paddling and stretches from the slopes of Mt. Bachelor to the finish line in Bend’s Riverbend Park. Athletes of all ages compete in divisions ranging in skill level from novice to elite, and either individually or as part of a team or pair.

Last year’s Pole Pedal Paddle produced two first-time winners in the elite men’s and women’s individual categories: Bend’s Andy Krueger won the men’s race in one hour, 44 minutes, 29 seconds and Grace Perkins, also of Bend, won the women’s race in 2:09:48.

For more information, visit www.pppbend.com.

For more information on MBSEF and its programs, visit www.mbsef.org.