› Frequently Asked Questions
:: Awards and Prizes
:: Registration and Packet Pick-up
:: Race Logistics
:: Course & Race Details
:: Parking and Shuttle Service
:: Spectators
Q. What kind of awards will be presented?
A. We will present custom and cool awards to the top three in each age group for both triathlons and duathlons. We will also present special awards for the top overall male, female, masters male and masters female for both triathlons and duathlons. There will be an uber-cool prize for the top combined time (one male, one female) who particpates in both the sprint and the Olympic distance triathlons!
For 10K and 5K run participants, we will have ribbons for the top three in each age group.
Q. Are there finisher's awards?
A. Yes, for 2008, each finisher will receive a custom, unique medal.
:: Registration and Packet Pick-up
Q. Where do I register?
A. For 2008, registration will only be offered online through Signmeup Sports. We pay the online registration fees!
Q. I am not a USA Triathlon member and I mailed in my registration - how can I sign the waiver in advance?
A. Everyone will sign the waiver electronically via the online registration process. No paper in 2008!
Q. I am part of a relay team, can I pick up my race packet for the entire team?
A. Yes, in 2008 this is okay because you all will have signed the waiver online beforehand.
Q. Can I pick up my race packet on race morning?
A. Only if you contact the race director in advance.
Q. Can I register the morning
of the race?
A. No. The last day for registration is at packet pick-up the day before the race. For the Olympic distance triathlon, duathlon and 10K run the last day to register is Friday, July 18. For the sprint distance triathlon, duathlon and 5K run the last day to register is Saturday, July 19th. For the kid's spash & dash, you can sign up until 10:00am on the day of the event (Saturday, 7/19).
Q. Is The Deschutes Dash a chip timed event?
A. Yes. Milliseconds is our race timer. All six events will be chip timed. Results will be posted at the event as well as on the website as soon as possible.
Q. Is The Deschutes Dash a USA Triathlon sanctioned event?
A. Yes, the triathlons and duathlons are sanctioned races. However, you do not have to be a member of USA Triathlon to participate in any of the Deschutes Dash Events. If you are not an annual member, you will be required to sign a waiver and pay the $10 one-day license fee.
Q. How many events are there at The Deschutes Dash?
A. Six: Olympic triathlon, Olympic duathlon, sprint triathlon, sprint duathlon, 10Kand 5K run.
Q. Will there be any events for the kids?
A. Yes, Working Wonders Children's Museum will have water tables out for kids to play with during the day and on Saturday, July 19th they will also host a kid's splash & dash event.
Q. Where is the transition area in relation to the finish?
A. They are a stones-throw away from each other. The transition area (T1 and T2) are adjacent to the Deschutes River. The finish area is in Central Plaza in the Shops at the Old Mill. Download a map here.
Q. Where is the start for the 5K and 10K runs?
A. The runs follow the same route as the triathlons and will start near the paved footbridge that spans the Deschutes River near the Shops at The Old Mill.
:: Course & Race Details
Q. Is this event a good one for a first time triathlete or duathlete?
A. Absolutely! The sprint distance course is
Q. How long is the swim?
A. We call the Deschutes Dash swim the "rock star" swim! Both races (sprint and Olympic) are down-current. Even if swimming is not your strength, you will feel like a rock star as the gentle current guides you down the river. The average swim time over the last three years was 19 minutes. The sprint course is roughly 1300 yards and the Olympic swim will be 1500 yards.
Q. Do I need a wetsuit? What is the water temperature?
A. We recommend wearing a wetsuit for this race if nothing else, for added buoyancy! The average temperature has been 63 degrees the last two years.
Q. Okay, but I don't have a wetsuit. Can I rent one somewhere?
A. Yes! WetsuitRental.com is one of our sponsors and has wetsuits available to rent, A triathlon specific wetsuit will improve your overall swim performance-flotation, warmth and speed! The rental cost is $35 and shipping is $8 nationwide. To request a wetsuit, please visit www.wetsuitrental.com and submit an order. Instructional triathlon videos on the topic of wetsuits are available for viewing on the site as well. They are also providing two coupons good for free wetsuits that we will give away after the race at the awards presentation.
Q. How many aid stations are on the course?
A. There are two aid stations on the run course. One just outside of the transition area and a second one at approximately 1.5 miles. Olympic distance athletes will have the opportunity to use both aid stations twice.
Q. What will be available at the aid stations?
A. Water and hydration drink.
Q. Will there be food at the finish line?
A. Absolutely. We will have post-race snacks including fantastic brownies made by our own Nancy P's bakery, beverages provided by Pepsi of Bend as well as tons of fruits, nuts and snacks. Yes, in 2008 we are bringing back the free beer from Cascade Lakes Brewing Company!
Q. Is there a place nearby to stay?
A. We recommend Inn
of the Seventh Mountain. They are located approximately 15 minutes
from the start of the race. They are the official host hotel of
FreshAirSports.
:: Parking and Shuttle Service
Q. How much parking is available at the race start?
A. Plenty. All athletes must park in the parking lot across the street from the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Access is from Shevlin Hixon Road via Simpson Avenue only. Absolutely no parking will be allowed in the Shops at The Old Mill or at the swim start.
Q. How do I get to the Les Schwab Amphitheater?
A. View the map for details. Take exit 138 (Colorado Street exit) off of Hwy 97. Follow Colorado to the "fish" roundabout (Simpson Avenue). Make a LEFT at the roundabout onto Simpson Avenue - half way around the roundabout! Make a right onto Shevlin Hixon Road. A gravel parking lot will be on the right-hand side. NOTE: This lot is only accessible via Simpson/Shevlin Hixon. Columbia Avenue will be closed!
Q. Since the swim is a point-to-point swim, how to I get to the race start?
A. We will shuttle everyone to the race start. It is also very walkable for both spectators and athletes. We will also provide bags with your bib number on them to put all of your clothes, etc. you'll shed before the swim. We'll bring it back to the transition area for you as well.
Q. Will I be able to see people while their racing?
A. This is the most spectator friendly venue in the Pacific Northwest! There are two footbridges over the river to view the swimmers as they swim down the Deschutes River. The run course is two loops - you'll have plenty of opportunity to photograph, encourage and cheer the athletes through to the finish line.
Q. Are there any places to get a meal near the race venue?
A. The Old Mill District is teeming with shops and restaurants. Restaurants include Ben & Jerry's, Cafe Bellisimo, Quizno's Subs, Red Robin, Greg's Grill and Anthony's HomePort Seafood Restaurant. All are within walking distance of the start/finish line. In fact, get there early and sit out on the deck at Anthony's or Red Robin and you'll have front row seats as the runners come by!
