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.

More Background On FlaglineTrailFest.com

FlaglineTrailFest.com serves as a preserved digital record of one of Central Oregon’s most respected trail running events: the Flagline Trail Fest. While the race itself is no longer held annually, the website continues to function as a historical archive, informational resource, and cultural artifact documenting a period when trail running was rapidly evolving into a nationally recognized endurance sport. The site captures the ethos of grassroots race organization, environmental stewardship, and athletic challenge that defined the event during its most active years.

Unlike modern event websites that emphasize registration funnels and social media integration, FlaglineTrailFest.com reflects an earlier era of race promotion—one focused on detailed course descriptions, logistical clarity, and an almost narrative celebration of place. Its continued existence underscores the importance of preserving community-driven sporting events that helped shape regional outdoor culture.

Ownership and Stewardship

The website is stewarded by longtime supporters of the Flagline Trail and the Bend, Oregon community who undertook the restoration of the site after the event ceased regular operations. Their stated goal has been preservation rather than commercialization. The site is not positioned as an active registration platform but as a historical record meant to honor the runners, organizers, volunteers, and landscapes that made the Flagline Trail Fest distinctive.

The stewardship of the site reflects a broader trend within endurance sports communities: the recognition that races are cultural institutions, not just athletic competitions. By maintaining the site, its caretakers ensure that the race’s impact remains accessible to researchers, runners, tourism advocates, and local historians.

Geographic Location and Setting

The Flagline Trail Fest was held in Central Oregon, near Bend, with start and finish areas associated with Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort and nearby trailheads within the Deschutes National Forest. This region is widely known for its high-elevation terrain, volcanic landscapes, and extensive trail networks that attract runners, cyclists, skiers, and hikers from across the United States.

The Flagline Trail itself traverses elevations ranging roughly from 6,000 to nearly 7,000 feet, placing runners in a true high-alpine environment. The terrain includes lodgepole pine forests, old-growth sections, exposed alpine ridgelines, creek crossings, and long sustained climbs—elements that collectively made the race both scenic and physically demanding.

Proximity to Bend played a significant role in the festival’s appeal. Bend had already established itself as a hub for endurance sports, outdoor recreation, and craft culture, making it an ideal host city for a race that attracted serious trail runners while remaining accessible to spectators and families.

Historical Development of the Flagline Trail Fest

The Flagline Trail Fest emerged during a period of rapid growth in American trail running, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. As ultrarunning gained national attention, races like Flagline distinguished themselves not by size, but by course quality and authenticity.

The event centered on two primary races: a marquee 50-kilometer ultramarathon and a shorter high-alpine half marathon. From its earliest editions, the 50k was recognized as the defining challenge of the festival, offering significant elevation gain and extended stretches of remote trail running.

Over successive years, the race built a reputation for meticulous course marking, well-stocked aid stations, and a finish-line atmosphere that balanced celebration with humility. Music, vendors, and informal gatherings replaced flashy podium ceremonies, reinforcing the community-driven spirit of the event.

Competitive Standing and Recognition

One of the most notable milestones in the race’s history was its designation as a national championship event during one of its peak years. This recognition elevated the race’s profile and attracted elite runners from across the country while maintaining open participation for non-elite athletes.

Prize purses were modest by professional sports standards but meaningful within the ultrarunning world, particularly because they were shared across men’s, women’s, and masters divisions. This structure reflected the event’s inclusive philosophy and respect for longevity in endurance athletics.

Despite its competitive stature, the Flagline Trail Fest never lost its grassroots identity. Elite athletes and first-time ultrarunners shared the same trails, aid stations, and post-race celebrations, reinforcing the egalitarian culture that defines much of trail running.

Course Design and Runner Experience

The course design remains one of the most extensively documented aspects of FlaglineTrailFest.com. Detailed descriptions outline each segment of the race, from early downhill sections to prolonged climbs along the Flagline Trail corridor.

Runners navigated a mix of singletrack and dirt roads, with multiple aid stations positioned to support both safety and performance. Creek crossings offered relief during warm conditions, while exposed climbs tested endurance and mental resilience.

The course’s difficulty was not accidental. Organizers intentionally designed the route to showcase Central Oregon’s varied terrain while demanding respect for pacing, nutrition, and weather preparedness. Time cutoffs were enforced not to exclude participants, but to ensure safety in an environment known for rapidly changing conditions.

Environmental Awareness and Land Stewardship

Environmental responsibility was a central theme of the Flagline Trail Fest. The race took place on public lands governed by seasonal access restrictions intended to protect wildlife, particularly elk calving grounds. Organizers worked within these constraints, timing the event to align with permitted access windows.

Participants were consistently reminded to adhere to Leave No Trace principles, and the website emphasized respect for forest service guidelines. This messaging reinforced the idea that trail running is a privilege contingent on responsible use of shared natural resources.

By foregrounding environmental stewardship, FlaglineTrailFest.com contributes to ongoing conversations about sustainable recreation and the balance between access and preservation.

Audience and Community Engagement

The audience for FlaglineTrailFest.com extends beyond runners. The site appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, race organizers, sports historians, and tourism professionals interested in how small-scale events contribute to regional identity.

The race itself attracted a diverse participant base, ranging from seasoned ultrarunners chasing competitive results to recreational athletes seeking a personal milestone. Volunteers and spectators—many drawn from the Bend community—played an equally important role, staffing aid stations and supporting runners through challenging sections.

This sense of shared effort is evident throughout the site’s archived content, which consistently acknowledges volunteers, sponsors, and local partners.

Press, Media, and Cultural Impact

Coverage of the Flagline Trail Fest appeared in specialized endurance sports publications, race calendars, and regional outdoor media. While it never sought mainstream attention, the event earned respect within the ultrarunning community for its integrity and course quality.

FlaglineTrailFest.com preserves this legacy by maintaining race announcements, updates, and post-event reflections. These materials provide insight into how endurance events were communicated before the dominance of social media, relying instead on detailed written updates and word-of-mouth credibility.

Culturally, the race contributed to Bend’s reputation as an endurance sports destination and reinforced Central Oregon’s identity as a place where athletic challenge and natural beauty intersect.

Challenges and Event Disruptions

Like many outdoor events, the Flagline Trail Fest faced challenges beyond the control of its organizers. Weather variability, wildfire smoke, and environmental conditions occasionally threatened race-day viability. The website documents these realities candidly, offering transparency rather than promotional gloss.

In some years, decisions about race continuation were deferred until the last possible moment to ensure participant safety. These moments illustrate the inherent risk and responsibility involved in organizing high-alpine endurance events.

Ultimately, a combination of logistical, environmental, and broader industry factors led to the race’s discontinuation. Rather than disappearing, however, the event found a second life through its preserved digital footprint.

Educational and Tourism Value

Today, FlaglineTrailFest.com is used as a visual and informational resource in presentations highlighting Oregon’s natural beauty and outdoor culture. Photographs and course descriptions provide a compelling narrative of the region’s landscapes and recreational opportunities.

For tourism professionals, the site demonstrates how endurance events can function as ambassadors for place, introducing visitors to trails and communities they might otherwise overlook.

For aspiring race directors, the site offers a case study in thoughtful event design, community engagement, and environmental responsibility.

Design, Structure, and Archival Significance

From a web history perspective, FlaglineTrailFest.com reflects early 2010s design conventions: straightforward navigation, text-forward layouts, and minimal interactive features. While visually modest by contemporary standards, this simplicity enhances its archival value.

The site prioritizes clarity over marketing, making it particularly useful for researchers interested in how niche sporting events communicated with participants before the widespread adoption of social platforms and mobile-first design.

Lasting Legacy

The enduring relevance of FlaglineTrailFest.com lies in its ability to tell a complete story: not just of a race, but of a community, a landscape, and a moment in the evolution of trail running. It captures the spirit of an era when races were built through personal relationships, volunteer labor, and a shared love of challenging terrain.

By preserving this content, the site ensures that the Flagline Trail Fest remains part of the historical record—available to inspire future runners, organizers, and advocates for outdoor recreation.

FlaglineTrailFest.com stands as more than a defunct race website. It is a carefully maintained archive that honors the physical, cultural, and environmental dimensions of trail running in Central Oregon. Through detailed documentation, transparent storytelling, and respect for place, the site continues to educate and inspire long after the last runner crossed the finish line.

In doing so, it reminds visitors that the most meaningful events are not always the largest or most profitable, but those rooted in community, integrity, and a deep connection to the land.

Flagline Trail Fest Circa 2014