fbpx

2023 Pacific Crest Pre-Race Instructions

(To print this page, press Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on Mac), or right-click and select “Print…”)

 

Hey Pacific Crest Athletes,

We’re headed to Central Oregon again this year, home of the Pacific Crest Endurance Sports Festival for the past 27 years! There is no other place on the planet that could host the epic adventure known as Pac Crest! We have a full weekend lined up for you that you are sure to LOVE! What isn’t there to love about Central Oregon? 

We feel fortunate to combine three of Central Oregon’s favorites and combine them into one epic weekend of racing. Pilot Butte Challenge, Deschutes Dash, and Pacific Crest Endurance Sports Festival. For a combined three-day race weekend in Bend, Oregon. Race all three days for the coveted Triple-Headed BEAST MEDAL! 

 

IMPORTANT PRE-RACE INSTRUCTIONSIf you haven’t done so yet, please read this important information to ensure you enjoy a wonderful Pacific Crest racing experience. This is our second year at Riverbend Park with lots of wonderful perks; all events start and finish in the same location! Only one Bike Transition! Need we say more? We hope these instructions answer your questions, so you know the what, how, when, where, and why of the 2023 Pac Crest Events. You will also want to check out the Pacific Crest Endurance Sports Festival Master Schedule

PACKET PICKUP/REGISTRATION

ATHLETES MUST HAVE EITHER A PHOTO ID or their USAT Membership Card TO PICK UP RACE PACKETS – NO ID, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Thursday, June 15 – Pilot Butte 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Pilot Butte Challenge Only)

NE Linnea Dr, Bend, OR 97701

 Friday, June 16  –  CRUX Fermentation Project Production Facility

63065 NE 18th St, Bend, OR 97701

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (All Events)

Saturday, June 17th – Riverbend Park

799 SW Columbia St, Bend, OR 97702

Run Only Events: 5:30 AM – 9 AM

Shirt Exchange for Run Events: 9 AM – 10 AM

All Events: 12 PM – 5 PM

Sunday, June 18th – Riverbend Park

799 SW Columbia St, Bend, OR 97702

5:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Shirt Exchange (All Events) 10 AM – 11 AM

If you cannot pick up at the times listed above, we will still accommodate you on race morning but be sure to get to the site very early to avoid delays. Try not to wait until Race Day if possible to make it an easier, stress-free race day for all.

NOTE: Now that our events are sanctioned by USAT you are required to pick up your own packets. In the event you cannot make it to Packet Pickup, USAT is pioneering a program with us that allows you to have someone else pick up your package, but you must sign and print THIS AUTHORIZATION FORM and send it with them as well as a copy of your ID. This is an insurance requirement helping to assure that athletes don’t give their Bib to someone else to race – an act that would be strictly prohibited for safety reasons.   

 LOCATION & PARKING:  

  • Pilot Butte Challenge will be held at the Pilot Butte Trailhead, parking is available at the trailhead.  NE Linnea Dr., Bend, OR 97701.  
  • Race festivities & transition areas for Saturday & Sunday events are located at Riverbend Park, 799 SW Columbia St, Bend, OR 97702.  There will be plenty of parking at the event site and on the streets surrounding the area. 

START TIME & WHEN TO ARRIVE

THURSDAY SCHEDULE:

  • Packet Pickup for Pilot Butte Challenge opens at the Pilot Butte Trailhead Parking Area at 5:00 PM
  • Pilot Butte Challenge starts at 6:00 PM

FRIDAY SCHEDULE: 

  • Packet Pickup for ALL events opens at Crux Fermentation Project Production Warehouse 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Please note the new time

SATURDAY SCHEDULE:

  • 5:30 AM Packet Pickup opens at Riverbend Park
  • 7:00 AM – Marathon and Half Marathon Starts
  • 8:00 AM – 10K & 5K starts.
  • Kids Tri Races – Start at approximately 4:00 PM.  See the Details below in the Kids Race section.
  • Transition opens at 12:00 PM for all Multisport Events

SUNDAY SCHEDULE: (WAVE CHARTS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE)

  • 5:00 AM Packet Pickup opens at Riverbend Park
  • 7:00 AM Beastman Triathlon/Du/AquaBike (Du starts at Start/Finish)
  • 7:18 AM Olympic Triathlon/Du/AquaBike (Du starts at Start/Finish)
  • 7:33 AM Sprint Triathlon/Du/AquaBike (Du starts at Start/Finish)

***All Swims start at Farewell Bend Park – a short .25-mile walk from Transition.***

Please plan to have enough time to stow your gear in transition and get yourself to the starting location for the swim. Athletes will have a gear bag for any items they need to take with them to the swim start.  Athletes will be responsible for marking these bags with their bib numbers.  Gear bags will be brought over to the transition area after the swim start has been completed.  If you need these items prior to your bike, please consider leaving them in transition as they won’t be available in time for your bike.

70.3 BEASTMAN SWIM WAVE CHART 

  • Wave #1  (7:00) Champion Wave
  • Wave #2  (7:03) Males 44 years & Under
  • Wave #3  (7:06) Females 44 years & Under
  • Wave #4  (7:09) Males 45 years & Over & Clydesdale
  • Wave #5  (7:12) Females 45 & Over & Athena
  • Wave #6  (7:15) ALL Swim Relays, AquaBike & Friends & Family
  • Wave #7 (7:00) BEASTMAN DUATHLON & DU RELAYS – TIME TRIAL START

OLYMPIC SWIM WAVE CHART:

  • Wave #8  (7:18) Males 44 years & Under
  • Wave #9  (7:21) Females 44 years & Under
  • Wave #10 (7:24) Males 45 years & over & Clydesdale 
  • Wave #11  (7:27) Females 45 & over & Athena 
  • Wave #12 (7:30) ALL Swim Relays, AquaBike & Friends & Family
  • Wave #13 (7:18) OLYMPIC DUATHLON & DU RELAYS – TIME TRIAL START

SPRINT SWIM WAVE CHART:

  • Wave #14  (7:33) Males 44 years & Under
  • Wave #15 (7:36) Females 44 years & Under
  • Wave #16  (7:39) Males 45 years & Over + Clydesdale
  • Wave #17  (7:42) Females 45 & Over + Athena
  • Wave #18 (7:45) ALL Swim Relays, AquaBike & Friends & Family
  • Wave #19 (7:33) SPRINT DUATHLON & DU RELAYS – TIME TRIAL START

RELAYS, AQUABIKE, CLYDESDALE & ATHENA, MUST GO IN WAVES AS NOTED ABOVE – NOT THEIR AGE WAVES. ALSO, ATHLETES MUST GO IN THEIR USAT AGE WAVE BASED ON THE AGE THEY WILL BE ON DEC 31, 2023. 

MANDATORY ATHLETE DEBRIEFING – All athletes must have their transition set up and be out of the transition area by 6:30 AM for the Beastman and 6:45 AM for the Olympic & Sprint. All bikes need to be in the transition area before the timing mats go live just prior to 7 AM; if you cross them, it will start your timing and negatively affect your results. Athletes arriving at the park after 6:30 AM will not have time to set up and be at their race start by 7:00 AM and may not be allowed to participate due to safety issues. We ask all participants to be at their race start location in time for the final athlete de-briefing at 6:45 AM (Duathletes to the start line adjacent to the WHY Racing Black Finishing arch; Triathletes and AquaBike athletes to the beach).  

IN YOUR RACE PACKET:

Running Athletes: Your race bib will have your timing strip on the back, please make sure this is secured to the front so you can be seen by course officials and volunteers; it also helps the photographers!

Multisport athletes: In your packet, you will find your Bib Number (this must be worn on your front during the run and visible when you cross the finish line), your Helmet Number (put on the front of your helmet), your bike number (place on your bike prior to entering the transition to set up), and a disposable timing strap (must be worn on your left ankle throughout the race). At Packet Pickup, you will also receive a swim cap (color designates your start wave – always pay close attention to the specific wave start announcements as, on occasion, an athlete may have been given an incorrect cap color), Gear Bag for transition and your finisher’s shirt.

DISPOSABLE TIMING CHIP You will receive a Disposable Timing Chip that you must wear on your left ankle throughout the race. The number on the timing strap will not match your bib; this is OK! The timing chip is part of the strap and not two components.  Please note – these timing straps are a ONE-TIME USE ONLY; please make sure to dry-fit the timing strap to your ankle before securing it. Once you secure it, do not try to reposition it by peeling off the tab – this will cause it to come loose during your swim or during the event. If wearing a wetsuit, there is no problem wearing the strap under the leg of the wetsuit (be careful when taking off your wetsuit that you do not break the strap and leave your chip inside the wetsuit). The timing strips can be recycled at the timing van after your event – please look in the results area for the box to recycle them.

BEFORE ENTERING TRANSITION AREAFor the safety of your bike and equipment, only athletes are allowed in the transition area. You must have your body marked and your bike number stickers on your bike before you will be allowed in. When you enter/exit, you will be asked to show your Bib number and your Body Marking, and it must match the number on your bike.  Please also make sure to mark all gear bags with your bib number on them. Please don’t get upset at the volunteers for enforcing this rule – it’s in your best interest.  A triathlon transition spot would be a prime location for bike thieves!  Also note, when setting up your transition spot, please set up your bike based on your bib number – Relay Teams are in a separate location. Also, be sure not to take up too much space – we have to fit a lot of triathletes into the area.  Set up your bike, and then right beside or under your bike, set up a small towel with all your stuff on the towel. A good rule of thumb is not to use any more than 1.5 feet of space beside your bike.  Also, make a mental note of your transition area location to help you remember where to find your bike when you exit out of the water as well as the Bike Out and Run Out exits – it’s really easy to get disoriented. It is important that you understand the flow of the transition area because timing mats are set up at these specific exits/entrances to collect your separate event splits. 

BODY MARKING: When you arrive, there will be volunteers to mark your body with a marker for safety reasons. 

Left Calve – Your event will go on your Left Calf that way, you can easily see if you are racing another athlete in the same category.

  • “B” for Beastman, “O” for Olympic, or “S” for Sprint on Sunday
  • “D” for Duathlon 
  • “AQ” for AquaBike 
  • “R” for Relay 

Right Calf – Your age (as of Dec 31, 2023) will go on your Right calf – that way, you can easily see from behind if that athlete is in your age group and whether you need to speed up! 😉 

Both Arms – Your Bib # will go on both arms.  

COURSESPlease make sure to check out all the course maps on the Pacific Crest Endurance Sports Festival Course Page. The Pacific Crest Endurance Sports Festival courses are challenging and scenic, with magnificent views of Central Oregon!  Remember that although we will have course signage and volunteers directing you, all athletes are still responsible for understanding their courses. 

AQUABIKE ATHLETES: This race category is perfect for non-runners and those suffering from an injury. Once you have completed your Swim and Bike distances, your race is over. However, rack your bike and make your way to the finish line so you can cross it, receive your medal, and have your name announced just like everyone else (please be sure to exit out of the non-timed exit). We want to celebrate your accomplishment!

WATER STATIONS:  Run courses have a total of twelve water stations for the full marathon, six water stations for the Half, three water stations for the 10K, and one water station for the 5K. 

Bike Course – Beastman has three water stations. Remember – to get a bottle, you have to drop a bottle safely. We will provide water and Skratch in prefilled bottles at each of the three Beastman water stations. 

BATHROOM FACILITIES: Port-a-Potties will be located at the Expo, Start/Finish, Swim in, Transition, and each water station.  

RULES OF THE ROAD AND THE RACE: All athletes will be competing under the USAT Rules of Competition. You need to be familiar with these rules. Important rules include:

  • No Drafting or blocking – you can’t ride right behind another cyclist or right beside another cyclist because it offers an unfair advantage.  So if you come up to another cyclist, you must pass them in a timely manner, and they must drop back and not draft off of you.  
  • You must wear a helmet, and it must be strapped before you leave the transition area.
  • ABSOLUTELY NO PERSONAL MUSIC DEVICES/IPODS/EARBUDS during the Bike course.  Because of the safety risk, this is grounds for immediate disqualification.
  • Do not ride your bike inside the transition area. Watch for the Mount and Dismount signs. 

RULES FOR MUSIC ALONG THE RUNS: During any running segments, we prefer athletes NOT to use music devices to maximize safety, assure a fair competitive environment, and assure athletes can hear all course marshal instructions. With that said, we also understand that many athletes rely on music to help endure the challenge of running.  To accommodate the needs of our athletes while still assuring maximum safety and a fair, competitive environment, here is the arrangement that we can accommodate.
•    If you choose to use a personal music device, you must always keep one ear open for instructions so only one earbud can be used at any time.
•    If you are using a personal music device with two earbuds, you will be immediately disqualified. Trust us, we don’t want to have to enforce a disqualification, but in order to assure the safety of all athletes, this is a very important rule.  
•    We also request that if you choose to use a personal music device, you keep the volume to a minimum to ensure all instructions can be heard.

 RELAY TEAMS: Teams are a great way to bond with friends, family & co-workers in a fun and active way! After having your body marked, please place your gear and bike at the designated RELAY area in transition. Each Relay member will receive a timing chip. The swimmer will wear the designated Swim cap for Relay Teams (not their age group), the Biker will place the Bike Stickers on their bike and helmet, and Runner will wear the Running Bib. After body marking, please place your gear and bikes at the designated “Relay” area in the Transition. During competition, the swimmer will complete their swim and then will tag the cyclist in the relay zone, who will then un-rack their bike and walk/run through transition to mount their bike. Once they return from their ride, they will rack their back and then tag the runner, who can then take off for their running segment. Once your relay segment is complete, remove your timing strap and leave it in transition so you can freely walk around without it inadvertently affecting your team splits. We encourage all Relay Members to meet their runner at the finish line and run across together to collect your finishers’ medal as a team.

WETSUITS are optional but recommended (water temps are currently 56 degrees)  for this event and will provide warmth and buoyancy. 

WATER SAFETY – Kayaks/SUP will be positioned along the swim course for your safety. The water is shallow, and you can walk out at the banks.  If you need help during your swim, simply move towards the banks, raise your arm, and yell. You may hold onto the side of the boat and take a break if needed. If you choose to be pulled onto the kayak, you will be transported to the shore and disqualified. If you are nervous about the swim, let the rest of the athletes in your wave go and then start in a more relaxed fashion without getting kicked or hit.

WATER & AIR TEMPERATURE & SAFETY:  The weather forecasts for this weekend show 41F (feels like 38) with a high of 60 F. Please check HERE for updated weather information for Bend, OR before heading out to the event. Beastman athletes, please also make sure to plan your bike attire to include the air temperature going over MT. Batchelor, temperatures for Sunday morning are currently showing overnight lows of 28 and a high of 46, and a slight chance of showers. Please check HERE for updated weather information for MT Bachelor.  

The estimated water temperature for the Deschutes River is 56 Degrees. Wetsuits are recommended; if you do not have one, you can rent one at one of these local businesses:

MEDICAL & FIRST AIDAdventure Medics will be overseeing our Non-Emergency Medical needs and will be located at the finish line. Adventure Medics will also be on-site with ambulances for emergency needs. If you witness or are having any type of medical issue, immediately seek out a race official or volunteer who will get help and/or call 911. If you discontinue the race for whatever reason, please notify a race official immediately. 

TECH-SHIRTS:  Due to the lead time necessary to order shirts prior to the race, the shirts/sizes available when you registered are the sizes we have available.  If your shirt is not the right size or you would like to swap, please bring your shirt to the Registration Tent after the race, and we will swap it out for what we have available. PLEASE DO NOT WEAR THE SHIRTS you want to swap during the race. T-shirt swap is available on Saturday from 9 AM – 10 AM and on Sunday from 9 AM – 11 AM. 

CHANGE OF CLOTHES: Please be sure to bring a change of clothes so you can get out of your racing gear and enjoy the post-event festivities. It will make all the fun activities so much better if you aren’t sitting around in cold, wet clothes.

POST-RACE MEAL & FESTIVITIESFestivities include DJ, FREE Crux Fermentation Beer and NoMo, and a post-race meal. Here’s a glimpse at your post-race meal:

  • Homemade burgers
  • Chips 
  • Fruit
  • Bars
  • And of course, Crux Fermentation Project and NoMo  #WILLSWIMFORBEER #WILLRUNFORBEER #WILLBIKEFORBEER #TRANSITION3

Also, check out 541 Social Club and enjoy a blast of heat or a chill ice bath.  Enjoy!

FINISHER MEDALS: After you finish the race, you will receive your finisher’s medal.  Congratulations! You did it! They look super cool! 

RESULTSCascadia Sports Timing will be timing the event; they will have kiosks available right at the finish line where you can view your results immediately. If there is an error that you notice, please alert the Timing van immediately – sometimes people change race distances and don’t let us know, which negatively affects results, or sometimes there is a timing chip malfunction. If we can be alerted to these errors prior to the Awards Ceremony, it helps a ton!  Results will be posted online post-event at the Results link.

Cascadia Sports Timing also offers a complimentary video of you crossing the finish line and a custom finisher certificate linked to each athlete’s result and specific to the event. Athletes can view and print their certificates at home or share them electronically from anywhere via email or social media. It’s a great reminder of your accomplishment!

AWARDS/PRIZES: The awards ceremony will be held as soon as enough athletes have finished allowing for a full set of awards.  For Saturday, awards are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:15 and continue as the half-marathon and full-marathon runners finish. For Sunday, awards will approximately be at 10 am, 10:30 and 11 am for the Sprint, Olympic, and Beastman distances.  Awards will be available for the Top 3 Overall Male & Female and Masters Male & Female (these will be taken out of age groups – no double-dipping!).  If you finished 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in your age group or division, you can pick up your Age Group medal beside the stage at the Awards Table. 

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP:  Club Champions will be awarded at the end of the entire 2023 Why Racing multi-sport racing season. Clubs will receive points for performance at each race, the total # of people from their club participating at each event, and volunteer hours. The big question is, who is going to get bragging rights?!  Is it Portland Tri Club, O2 Endurance, Tri PDX, Willamette Triathlon Club, Multnomah Athletic Club, Deschutes Multisport Club, Dialed Tri Club, and Dialed Jr Tri Club, or another emerging club? The key is making sure that each member of your team who is racing has submitted that they are racing for your team. Please email registration@whyracingevents.com with a list of club members who are racing so we can make sure they are listed under your club for results. Let us acknowledge you and your Clubs’ efforts at helping more people cross the multi-sport finish line!

WHY RACING MULTI-SPORT EVENT AWARDS ARE BACK: Who is the Best in the Northwest amongst the Why Racing Triathletes & Duathletes? We created an annual Why Racing Event series in order to acknowledge both speed AND the ability to endure within the sports of Triathlon & Duathlon locally. Winning one race or your age group is extremely impressive, but can you sustain that type of performance throughout the entire season? Matt LeGrand, a local computer programmer, who also happens to be an impressive triathlete, has designed a program that is based on a point system that is easy to understand and functions to acknowledge both overall and age group competition.  Athletes have already started accumulating points at Spring Classic and PDX Triathlon so Pac Crest is your third chance to earn points for the series! 

LOST & FOUND: Any equipment that is unmarked will be returned to the stage during the event. After the event, we will take it to the Why Racing office and you can contact us to locate it. Please come to the event with all personal belongings well marked with your name.

FREE RACE PHOTOS – Thanks, IQ Credit UnionRace photographers will be on-site to capture your event performance. Be sure that your sticker is on the front of your helmet and your bib number is visible on your front during your run so your photos can be matched to your race number.  Watch for the cameras en route and give us a big, cheesy smile, a thumbs up, or a goofy jump – those are always the most fun! Once photos are available, you will receive an email and they will be posted here. You will be able to download them for FREE courtesy of IQ Credit Union!

KIDS TRIATHLON: Remember to sign your kids up for the Kids Tri (Kids Splash, Pedal & Dash)! Most kids love to swim, bike, and run – so we say, why not give them a chance to put it all together in one fun and fantastic race! There’s nothing more fun and exciting than to see happy, proud, young faces crossing the finish line – you might just see a future superstar triathlete blossoming into the sport! Kids Tri race entry includes a t-shirt, cool medal, body marking, bike stickers, and crossing the same finish line as the adults so they get the full experience and the kids can brag about their well-earned accomplishment. All details about the Kid’s race are on our Pacific Crest Course Maps Page.

CONTESTS: In order to be entered to win, post photos at any Why Racing event using the hashtag #WHYracing, #WHYTOYOTA, and #ThanksIQ. We will announce the winner at our end-of-race season party in the fall. There is no limit to how many times you post photos! Just make them fun and active!

 SPORTS & FITNESS EXPOThere is absolutely no way we could have pulled this event together without the support from our Sponsors. So please check out their displays, sample products, learn about these great companies and join us in thanking… 

 Foot Traffic * PEACEHEALTH* McCord’s Vancouver Toyota

Frank Goulard  * Gatorade * Pepsi

Crux Fermentation Project * NoMo

 XTERRA * University of Western States *  Visit Central Oregon* 

Visit Bend  * Waypoint Hotels * Kolorkraze

Northwest Personal Training * Skratch Labs* Dialed Cycle 

Evolution Health Care* Why Bar* PowerBar Sport* 

Sunset Lodging * 541 Social Club

The best way to thank these companies is to do business with them because you appreciate the support they give to athletes like YOU and all the schools and clubs which will benefit from the event.

SPECTATORS:  The best approach for your family, friends, and cheerleaders is to park and watch your swim, bike and run finish at the expo.  They can watch you transition onto your bike and then from your bike to your run. Then they can head to the finish line to watch you cross the finish line. Be sure to tell them to make signs for you, bring cowbells, and bring you flowers for the finish. Especially if this is your first Triathlon, Duathlon, or AquaBike, you’ve got to celebrate! It’s a big accomplishment! We also welcome your families running through the finish line with you so hold their hands and let them experience the rush of finishing also! After all, many of us couldn’t do all of this without the support of our families! Plus you might just inspire them to give it a TRI!

BENEFICIARIES:  Why Racing Events Inc. is proud to support the Bend Sustainability Fund. For more information on the Bend Sustainability Fund, please visit their website https://www.visitbend.com/bend-sustainability-fund/. WHY Racing also proudly supports High School Sports programs and various local non-profits. As a result of your participation in these events, over $3,000,000 in donations has been raised for various local clubs, teams, and non-profits. Some of the sports programs we support rely completely on our donations for their yearly funding. We want to thank all of you for participating in this event and allowing us the opportunity to extend this support to high school athletes. 

 FACEBOOK: Can we be friends?!  If you haven’t yet, please like our Why Racing Events Facebook pages for all event updates, tips, and inspiration. 

https://www.facebook.com/WhyRacingEvents Also, be sure to join the Pacific Crest Endurance Sports Festival Facebook Page where we will post photos, results, and any important event updates 

REMEMBER YOUR WHY: You are all racing for different reasons. Some of you are super competitive and are racing to win overall or in your age group or division. Some of you will just be ecstatic to cross the finish. Some of you are racing to reach for your personal best or to get into great shape. Some of you race to be able to eat whatever you want. Some of you do it for energy, to help you look and feel better, some do it for fun or to meet new people. Some of you do it so you can have a beer or a glass of wine. Regardless of your WHY, let us congratulate you on pushing your limits and by doing so remember that you will inspire so many others! One of the best things you can do immediately to help support running, multi-sport and your fellow athletes of all ages, fitness levels, shapes, sizes and abilities, is to offer lots of support and praise to each other on race day. As you pass someone, tell them how great they’re doing! And as you’re getting passed, tell them how strong they look. Cheer each other on, it makes the time pass by quickly and empowers you and everyone else on the course! Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the entire experience!  You’re already a winner just by showing up!

Last, I’d like to give a big shout-out to our team at Why Racing Events for working so hard as a team to pull this event off!  I feel so honored to work with a team that is so passionate about helping others get to the finish line and giving back to our community. 

See you soon and keep training hard and smart!

Karissa & Rod Schoene and the entire Why Racing Event Crew

Ps. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR ROOKIES:  You probably have a lot of questions!  We pulled together some tips that you can access here to help you know what to bring, how to set up your transition, nutrition tips, and other important race day info. Take your time reviewing it to help assure a fabulous race day experience!