2025's Preview Video from Backyard Bend

July 11th, 2026

Presented by:

Bend Dirt Fest: Challenge, Camaraderie, Fun

Join us in Bend, Oregon for the Bend Dirt Fest, a dirt-filled celebration of endurance and community—brought to you by Mudslinger Events and presented by Bicycle Accident Law.

Choose your challenge: MTB, Gravel at 8am, or Trail Run, all starting from the Athletic Club of Bend at 8:45 AM.


Go solo or team up with two or three friends for a shot at team glory—funky team names encouraged!

Enjoy finisher and age-group awards, live music, and cold brews from 10 Barrel Brewing as we wrap up the day with a party worthy of Bend’s outdoor spirit.

Bend Dirt Fest Tech Guide
  • Equal Podium and Awards
  • Womens Specific Apparel and Swag
  • Menstrual Products at Aid Stations
  • Women on the Start line
  • Pregnancy and postpartum policy


The Basics for an incredible day in Bend, Oregon

The Vibe

Bend, Oregon is a unique destination where life unfolds in a cycle of living, playing, and reliving. Friends reconnect on the trails, sharing stories from the past. Join us for a memorable event staging from the Athletic Club of Bend where you can either run a Trail Half, 39 Miles of mountain biking or 54/35  miles of gravel cycling, all taking place at the Athletic Club of Bend on July 11th, 2026. 

Half Marathon Trail

Half marathons offer the perfect mix of challenge and enjoyment. Our scenic west side loop takes you from the Athletic Club on a 13.1-mile run/walk, ending with a celebration at the Athletic Club of Bend. Whether you prefer running solo or forming a team of three with a gravel or mountain biker the experience is unforgettable.

MTB Race

Mountain biking is central to any adventure in Bend, Oregon. Form a team of three or two with a Gravel rider or trail runner.  The journey by mountain bike covers 39 miles with 34 timed, the added 5 miles is the return ride to the Athletic Club of Bend.

Gravel Grinder

Gravel Cycling, Gravel Grinding, or Gravel Fondo are all names for this popular cycling discipline. Sponsored by Dirty Freehub, this 54-mile or 35-mile ride/race offers 3-5 hours of adventure. Form an optional 2 or 3-person team with a mountain biker and Trail Runner, or create a team for a memorable finish.

WELCOME

Bend Dirt Fest is presented by our friends at Bicycle Accident Law. Located in Bend, Oregon Matt and his team have you covered in the case the day does not turn out the way you planned.


 

Bend Dirt Fest — July 11, 2026

Start & Finish: Athletic Club of Bend
 Designated Parking: OSU–Cascades

Get ready for a full day of endurance fun in Bend, Oregon! The Bend Dirt Fest brings together mountain bikers, gravel riders, and trail runners for one incredible day of racing, camaraderie, and celebration in the heart of Central Oregon.

This year’s event also serves as the Oregon XC Series Finals for select mountain bike categories and the Oregon Triple Crown Series Finals for gravel—making Bend the place to be on July 11!

Start Times

  • MTB / Gravel: 8:00 AM — Mass start from the Athletic Club of Bend
  • Trail Run: 8:45 AM — Mass start from the Athletic Club of Bend

Team Up or Go Solo

Form your dream team or take on the challenge solo!

Team Categories (Optional):
Create a team name and register with your cycling friends—or pair up with a trail runner for the ultimate Bend Dirt Fest combo. Teams are scored across combined age groups (ages calculated as of 12/31/current year) in 2- or 3-person divisions.
For more details, refer to the Tech Guide.

Solo Categories:
Individual awards are given in 10-year age groups through 70+, plus a Non-Binary category, ensuring fair and inclusive competition for all participants.

Synchronistic Timed Format

All team members compete at the same time, and your total team time determines your final standing. Every effort counts—making teamwork, pacing, and shared grit key to success.

REGISTER FOR 2026

The Venue

The Athletic Club of Bend is a premier private health and fitness club located in Bend, Oregon. Established in 1991, the club offers a wide array of amenities, including seven indoor tennis courts, an indoor running track, indoor and outdoor pools, a large spa, cardio equipment, and a weight room. Looking for the best place to stay consider Peppertree Inn directly accross the street from our Venue and walk or ride to the start line




Parking will be at OSU Cascades! See Google Venue Map below! Looking to Camp? The Snow Parks are a great option as long as you have your Deschutes National Forest Day Pass or annual pass. LINK

Maps 

FAQS

Here are answers to some common questions that may also be included in the technical guide.

Tech Guide Link Below for all the details

  • HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF A TEAM?

    Reach out via your social channels and make sure to answer the custom question relating to wanting to join a team. Remember all are teams are scored against all SOLO participants in this mass start event

  • WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO STAY?

    Peppertree Inn on the West Side is our preferred place to stay and sponsor, but many places are close to the venue for your Bend, OR weekend. If you do anything early, please book accomodations

  • WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT IS BEST FOR BEND DIRT FEST?

    Trail shoes are recommended for the trail run and a proper off-road capable bike that has been checked before the event for the MTB or Gravel Routes. Please head to Sagebrush Cycles for the best recommendation or to get your bike shipped too. Footzone in Bend is the leader in trail running knowledge! 

  • WHAT IS THE TRAIL RUN DIRT PERCENTAGE?

    60% of the run is on dirt and depending on conditions, it can be red hero cinder dirt or fine moon dust." "Portion of the single track dirt running is filtered shade, otherwise the course receives full sun, please dress for conditions, heat and potential dehydration.

  • WHAT ARE THE TIME CUT OFF'S?

    Cut-off times leaving the aid stations:


    Trail Runners must reach Aid 1 at mile 2.8 by 9 am (21 minutes per mile)

    Gravel Riders must reach Aid 1 at mile 23 by 11 am for first cut-off

    Gravel Riders must reach Aid 2 at mile 28 by 11:30 am (8.6 miles per hour)

    MTB Riders must reach Aid 1 at mile 19.1 by 11 am (6.9 miles per hour)


  • AID STATIONS/COURSE MARKINGS

    We proudly serve Hammer Nutrition products such as Heed and Hammer Gel. Our aid stations serve up various foods, including local fruits when in season, including local bakery items as well. Please review the ride with GPS files for all course information, including mile markers for aid stations and the running course!" "These are fantastic maps that can be uploaded to many GPS watches and bike computers

     

  • HOW DOES THE START OF THE EVENT WORK?

    All runners and cyclists will start from the Athletic Club of Bend.


    The trail run begins at 8:45 AM, and the bike events start at 8 AM starting in 2026 to provide a more combined awards area


    Everyone must cross the timing mat at the start to receive an official gun start time.


    Cyclists will begin with a slow, neutral rollout for the first half-mile, escorted by certified flaggers who will temporarily stop traffic. After this section, riders will be released to pick up the pace.


    Please note: The rules of the road apply at all times.



  • ARE EBIKES ALLOWED?

    Ebikes, "If you're coming with friends and family and would like to ride your Ebike, please check the COTA website for trails that allow power assisted bikes. Unfortunately, we do not have a race category for e-bikes at Bend Dirt Fest." "Please check out some of our other events

  • I REGISTERED AS A SOLO AND NOW WANT TO CREATE A TEAM?

    Use the Add a team member and get on the start line. Need to change a team name email us

  • WHAT ARE YOUR CREDIT AND POSTPARTUM POLICES?

    Our Policies include the option to Self Credit for 50-75% of your event fee one week prior for our events for up to a yearself-credit, plus a  Postpartum policy for expecting mothers for up to two seasons. LINK

Talk to us today!

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