The Pole Pedal Paddle returns in 2026 for its 50th year, but this milestone edition will look different. Due to low snow conditions, the traditional course has been reworked, marking one of the most unique iterations in the event’s history.

2026 Update: A New Course for a Snowless Year

Organizers have adapted the race in response to an unusually low-snow winter.

What’s changing:

• No traditional alpine or Nordic ski legs
• First two segments remain on Mt. Bachelor—but as run events
• Bike and downstream segments remain largely unchanged

With support from Mt. Bachelor, the race still begins on the mountain, even after the ski area’s early closure.

Important note: Course details may be slightly adjusted in the days leading up to the race, depending on conditions.

2026 Course Breakdown (What Racers Can Expect)

Leg 1: Mountain Run

• Starts at Nordic Center parking lot
• ~2.8 miles
• ~400 ft elevation gain
• Crosses to West Village, descending toward Pine Martin

Leg 2: “Fun Run”

• ~1.3 miles
• Relatively flat
• Includes unexpected elements along the route
• Ends near Sunrise Village Lodge

Bike + Final Segments:

• Bike course remains consistent with recent years
• Includes:
  • 5.2-mile River Run
  • Final 0.4-mile sprint to finish

A 50-Year Tradition That Adapts

This isn’t the first time the race has had to adjust. The original event in 1976–77 also faced drought conditions, making the 2026 race a full-circle moment. As organizers put it, this year’s event may feel more like a “Peak Pedal Paddle.”

What the Pole Pedal Paddle is All About

The Pole Pedal Paddle is Bend’s signature multi-sport race, typically combining skiing, running, biking and paddling from Mt. Bachelor to the Old Mill District.

Participants compete:

• Solo
• In pairs
• As relay teams

And while the format may shift, the spirit remains the same.

The Mug That Everyone Wants

The coveted Bill Earhart ceramic mug, the singular “trophy” bestowed at the annual Pole Pedal Paddle, has become somewhat of a lighthearted status symbol in Bend. Its widespread presence has even birthed a locally-used verb: “mugging.” Yet talk to anyone who’s been involved in the legendary Bachelor-to-Bend race that takes place in late May, and you’ll realize that the event is about more than posting a winning time.

Why PPP Still Matters

The event remains the largest annual fundraiser for MBSEF, supporting more than 800 athletes each year. And we expect this year will still have the same energy because

• Costumes still show up
• First-timers still line up
• Teams still race together
• And thousands still gather for what continues to be one of Bend’s most defining traditions.

Even with a reimagined course, its impact—and its community pull—remains unchanged.

If You Go (2026)

• Expect course and logistics updates
• Check official maps and Strava routes in advance
• Plan for transportation between lodges
• Arrive early and allow extra time for transitions

Click here to check out the 2026 Pole Pedal Paddle. | Click here to check out the Pole Pedal Paddle website.

History of the PPP

Dating back to 1976, this event played a pivotal role in establishing Bend as the athletic hub it is today. Spanning six segments—alpine and Nordic skiing, running, biking, and kayaking—the race showcases Bend’s favorite sports, guiding participants, whether competing solo, in pairs, or as teams, from Mt. Bachelor’s Red Chair to the Old Mill District. With roughly 3,000 participants annually, nearly half from outside the region, its allure extends far beyond local borders.

And it’s an appeal that lies less in athletic prowess and more in the joyful sense of community prevailing throughout the day. The race welcomes all, and longtime attendees know that the competition is as much about the best costume as it is about the fastest time. While it’s often assumed that only the athletically gifted participate, diversity is the race’s true charm. Athletes of varying ages and skill levels, racing individually or as part of a team, find themselves united by a shared passion for sport and a desire to push personal boundaries.

About the Race in Past Years

As racers tackle each leg of the course—be it the adrenaline-fueled sprint uphill at Mt. Bachelor’s Red Chair, the exhilarating Nordic course, the scenic descent into town, the riverside run along the Deschutes River, or the paddle through the Old Mill—they are uplifted by the collective encouragement of spectators and fellow competitors alike.

This atmosphere of encouragement and camaraderie sets the Pole Pedal Paddle apart as more than just a race—it’s a celebration of community spirit. Dedicated volunteers kick-start the event at dawn, setting up stations from the Old Mill to Mt. Bachelor, while enthusiastic spectators, rain or shine, line the route offering unwavering support. From the whimsical costumes to the friendly competition among participants, the Pole Pedal Paddle fosters a vibrant spirit of community.

Extending beyond race day, the Pole Pedal Paddle serves as MBSEF’s largest annual fundraiser, providing crucial support for the organization’s efforts to offer life-changing athletic programs to over 800 athletes each year. In doing so, it embodies Bend’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of athletes and fostering a legacy of excellence both on and off the field.

In a city experiencing rapid growth, this enduring tradition unites the Bend community in the joy of outdoor recreation, friendly competition, and support for the community as a whole. Its legacy is deserving of celebration, inviting a collective toast—perhaps, with a mug in hand.

Click here to check out the 2026 Pole Pedal Paddle. | Click here to check out the Pole Pedal Paddle website.