FootZone Dirty Half Marathon

Central Oregon’s oldest half marathon, the FootZone Dirty Half Marathon turns 22 in 2023.

With “13.1 miles of trail bliss,” the out-and-back course includes 1009 feet of vertical gain and 998 feet of vertical loss for one challenging quad burner of a race. The effort is well worth it, though, for the tranquil forest experience that periodically gives way to sweeping mountain views.

The FootZone Dirty Half Marathon takes off from the Unitarian Church in Bend, but quickly enters Phil’s Trailhead, from which springs a popular mountain biking trail network maintained by the Central Oregon Trail Alliance. Phil’s Trail is named for topographical expert and mountain biking enthusiast Phil Meglasson, who helped develop the trail in the 1980s from a single game trail.

Keep your eye out around the third aid station for the Flaming Chicken, a landmark well-known to bikers on Phil’s Trail. The trail’s Flaming Chicken pays homage to the larger Phoenix Rising sculpture situated in the roundabout at the intersection of  Galveston and 14th Ave in Bend.

Runners will appreciate the chicken for another reason: its appearance marks the beginning of a descent, following the first half of the race’s largely uphill climb.

Returning to the finish line, runners will be treated to tasty food, beer, and music to celebrate their achievements.