Flagline Trail Festival - FlaglineTrailFest.com

Deaton Edwards & Marky Talbot, both long time supporters of the Flagline Trail and the Bend community, restored this website to preserve the memory of this event. They were able to obtain a donation of tech support from NYC search group TNG/Earthling who handled promotion via Google search results as well as other seo related efforts. Both Edwards and Talbot use this salvaged site as a resource for their presentation on Oregon's natural beauty for the tourism board. The photos of the area surrounding the trail are posted on PhotoBucket.

News

Set in the scenic High Cascades of Central Oregon, the Flagline Trail Fest features two trail races that start and finish at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. Finish to the tune of music, vendors, libations, and a dirt celebration you won’t soon

For 2014 the Flagline 50k will serve as the USATF National Championships. You will need a current USATF number to be scored for the championship. However it you it is not required to be a member to race the 50k. Results will be scored normally with USATF members scored in an additional separate category.
There will be a prize purse of $2500 will be shared between the overall top three male and female and overall male and female master (40+).

This will be the fourth running of the Flagline 50k trail run. Runners will be treated to a long tour of Central Oregon’s high country trails with amazing views of the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Mt. Bachelor. The course has some great mix of old growth pine and lodgepole forests, above treeline singletrack, a couple of stout climbs, and a creek to cool the feet. 5 aid stations fully stocked with food and drink to power you through your journey to finishing a challenging 50k run.

Once again the Flagline 50k will be part of theOregon Trail Ultramaraton Series. for more info on this trail running series hit this LINK. Also new for this year is that the cut off has been extended to 8hrs.

Packet pick up will take place Saturday September 20th from Noon to 6pm at Footzone of Bend located at 842 NW Wall st in beautiful downtown Bend Oregon. Packets will also be available Sunday Morning before the race up at the Sunrise Lodge Parking area at Mt Bachelor.

Refund Policy A 50% refund will be issued via check up until August, 2nd 2012 for all races. After August 12th NO REFUNDS will be given.

Course starts out with a net down from Dutchman Flat to aid 1 with some great double and singletrack through some lodgepole forests that skirt Vista Butte on the way to Swampy Lakes Snow Park. After a quick stop at the aid station you will proceed through some of the Nordic trails to where you hang a left for the Flagline Trail. This is one of the hardest climbs on the course and will be a challenging run for the next 6 or so miles to Aid 2. Once you are through the second aid station you will proceed through some rolling single track that flirts with some great alpine glades, a creek crossing (feet wet) and great views for miles. At aid 3 you will start a dirt road decent down to the headwaters of Tumalo Creek. After crossing the creek (on a bridge) you will begin the toughest climb on the course for 3.5 miles back up to the aid station you just left. Enjoy the climb and all the little glades, big ol’ trees, and more amazing views. After aid 4 your brain will get a break from sinlgetrack and be treated to one of the most beautiful dirt roads I have ever been on. Well the road itself is nothing special but the views from there are quite amazing. After your coast downhill we throw you right back in the woods and a short jog to the last aid station (aid 5). After topping off you get a rolling trail back to Mt. Bachelor. When you get back to Dutchman flat you will be guided out to cross Century Drive and finish via the dirt service road to finish Sunrise Lodge.

Participants will have 7.5 hrs if they start at 8 or 8.5 with the 7am early start

Well this event has has experienced warmer than normal temperatures, winter storms and gigantic forest fires. I suggest finding a bag and putting every piece of clothing you have that somehow relates to running in it. Jacket(s), multiple pairs of gloves, socks, tights, knickers, shorts, hats, warm hats, lots of shirts of varying sleeve length and insulation levels, and a waterproof drop bag to put at aid stations.

This year the Flagline Trailfest will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the event to the Bend Endurance Academy. http://www.bendenduranceacademy.org/.

Dave's day job in NYC is with a rug cleaning business that is doing well enough to sponsor a runner this year. In addition to being an expert NYC rug cleaner, they also know that physical exersize and an active lifestyle are essential to keeping your sanity in the Big Apple. We're grateful to the folks at Sunshine Fine Rug Care for providing our event with a generous grant in exchange for a few mentions in this post and in our promotional material.

Our mission is to promote healthy living through active, outdoor experiences. We emphasize teamwork, personal growth and community responsibility.

Race Day

Game Day Decision

More Background On The Flagline 50k

The Flagline Trail Fest, held in the scenic Deschutes National Forest near Bend, Oregon, is a prominent event that attracts trail runners from all over due to its challenging and picturesque courses. This festival is particularly known for its 50k race, which showcases a remarkable mix of singletrack trails and dirt roads in the high country of Central Oregon. The course features approximately 4000 feet of climbing, offering both stunning views and demanding physical challenges to the participants.

Historical race results from UltraRunning Magazine highlight the competitive nature of the event, with finisher times reflecting the athleticism and endurance required to complete the course. For instance, past events have seen top male and female finishers completing the race in impressive times, underscoring the high level of competition and the trail running community's strong engagement with the fest.

The Flagline Trail itself is part of a network within the Deschutes National Forest, offering multiple loop options that become accessible for mountain biking and other activities after August 15th each year, due to seasonal restrictions to protect elk calving grounds. This trail's location, with elevations ranging from 6000 to 6800 feet, provides an ideal setting for the Flagline Trail Fest, contributing to the unique experience of racing in the midst of Oregon's natural beauty.

Participants and visitors are encouraged to respect the environmental guidelines set forth by the U.S. Forest Service to ensure the preservation of this pristine area. These include adherence to seasonal closures and restrictions on certain activities to protect wildlife and natural habitats.

The Flagline Trail Fest represents more than just a race; it's an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to gather, compete, and share in the beauty of Central Oregon's landscapes. The event not only challenges runners physically but also fosters a sense of community and respect for the natural environment, making it a must-experience occasion for trail runners and nature lovers alike.

For more detailed information about the Flagline Trail Fest and its offerings, interested individuals can explore resources provided by UltraRunning Magazine and the U.S. Forest Service.

From Uphill Trekker

The Flagline Trail Fest, especially its flagship 50k race, has demonstrated notable popularity and competitive participation over the years. The event takes place in Bend, Oregon, a region celebrated for its outdoor activities and scenic landscapes, particularly in the Deschutes National Forest. The 50k course is renowned for its challenging mix of singletrack and dirt roads, offering about 4000 feet of climbing through Central Oregon's high country, which both impresses and challenges participants.

Historical participation data reflects the event's appeal, with the number of finishers varying year by year. For example, participation numbers have shown some fluctuation: 70 finishers in 2010, 93 in 2011, 118 in 2012, 153 in 2013, 130 in 2014, 78 in 2015, 71 in 2016, and 56 in 2017, demonstrating the event's ability to attract a robust field of competitors across various editions. These numbers indicate a strong interest among the trail running community, with top finish times highlighting the high level of competition among participants.

The course's elevation gain and the natural beauty of the trail provide a unique challenge and experience, contributing to the race's popularity among endurance athletes. However, it's important to note that like many events, the Flagline Trail Fest has faced cancellations, such as the 2020 edition, which underscores the challenges outdoor events often encounter due to various factors including weather conditions, environmental considerations, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Despite these challenges, the Flagline Trail Fest remains a sought-after event for trail runners seeking to test their limits amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Oregon. The event's ability to draw participants from a wide range of age groups and performance levels speaks to its inclusive nature and the trail running community's enthusiasm for high-quality, challenging races.