THE PACIFIC CREST SPORTS FESTIVAL 2008

  
The last weekend in June athletes, along with their families and friends, gathered in Sunriver for the 12th annual Pacific Crest Sports Festival. Over 4000 athletes participated in a myriad of events headlined by the Half Iron Triathlon, and the Endurance Duathlon. The Half Iron Triathlon started at Wickiup Reservoir with a 1.2 mile swim, followed by a 58 mile bikeride down the beautiful Cascade Lake Highways, and then a 13.1 mile run on the bike trails of Sunriver. The Endurance Duathlon (for those who didn't want to brave the cool waters of Wickiup Reservoir) also started at Wickiup Reservoir with a 58 mile bike ride, followed by a 13.1 mile run.

     Bend triathlete, Steve  Larsen, won the Half-Ironman Triathlon in a time of 4hours, 15 minutes and 32 seconds, setting a course record.  The top woman finisher was Tracy Orcutt of Seattle.  The Endurance Duathlon was won by Douglas Obletz of Portland in a time of 4 hours, 14 minutes and 40 seconds.  Steve Larsen has competed throughout the world during the past two decades, and says this about the Pacific Crest course, "The scenery is spectacular and crystal clear.  The Pacific Crest is one of the most beautiful courses anywhere and a great way to showcase Central Oregon."

     Other events that make up the Pacific Crest Sports Festival include a half-marathon and a marathon (which serves as a BAA Boston qualifier), an Olympic-distance triathlon (500 meter swim, 28 mile bike and 10 kilometer run), Olympic-distance duathlon (28 mile bike and 10 kilometer run), and 5 and 10 kilometer run/walk events.

Fortunately for the rest of us, who are not triathletes, duathletes, or marathon runners, there are plenty of activities, lots of food and drink, and great entertainment in the Sunriver Village Mall (which is also the race finish line). And don't forget the events specially designed for kids---the 'Splash, Pedal, Dash' and the one-mile run. This is a great weekend for the whole family!
For the latest information on next year's event, click here.