FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
If you cannot find your answer below, please visit the contact us page and send us a note! FAQs are by category – find the category below and scroll down to see the various questions and answers.
:: Awards and Prizes
:: Registration and Packet Pick-up
:: Race Logistics
:: Course & Race Details
:: Swimming Questions
:: Parking and Shuttle Service
:: Spectators
:: Awards and Prizes
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 participate 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.
:: Registration and Packet Pick-up
Q. When and where are packet pick-up?
A. All packet pick-up for adult events (tris, dus and runs) and the youth triathlon take place in the Old Mill. Details with exact times and locations are on the schedule page. The COPAKids’ Splash ‘N Dash will also allow Saturday (event day) registration from 9:00 to noon (event starts at 1:00 pm). This will take place at the kid’s race start near Center Plaza in the Old Mill District. **Note, LATE packet pick-up for all Deschutes Dash “adult races” is race morning beginning at 6am near the transition area**
Q. Why do I have to pay a one-day license fee (multisport events only)?
A. Our multisport events are sanctioned by USA Triathlon. To participate you either have to be an annual member or purchase a one-day license. We do NOT make any revenue from this fee – 100% goes to USA Triathlon! Note that for relay teams, every non-member must pay this fee, so if all three members of a team are not USAT members, it adds $30 to the total cost.
Q. Where do I register?
A. Registration is online through RaceIt. Click the appropriate link to be taken directly to the registration page: Multisport races, Deschutes Dash Runs, Splash ‘N Dash. Visit the Deschutes Dash registration page for all details. If you would like to register by mail. Send us an email and we will send you a PDF registration form.
Q. I am part of a relay team, can I pick up my race packet for the entire team?
A. ONLY if you have registered online where all all athletes on a team are each required to sign the USA Triathlon waiver beforehand.
Q. Can my friend/spouse/neighbor/teacher or other acquaintance pick up my race packet?
A. Unfortunately, no. We must see photo ID with your packet pick-up. This is a USA Triathlon requirement that we have no flexibility with!
Q. Can I pick up my race packet on race morning?
A. Only if you contact the race director in advance. Late packet pick-up will be set-up outside the transition area on race mornings!
Q. How to I get my timing chip?
A. Timing chips are distributed on RACE MORNING. A tent will be set up just outside of the transition area for distributing chips.
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 15th. For the sprint distance triathlon, duathlon, 5K run and youth triathlon the last day to register is Saturday, July 16th. For the COPAKid’s Splash ‘N Dash, you can sign up until 11:00am on the day of the event (Saturday, 7/16).
:: Race Logistics
Q. Is The Deschutes Dash a chip timed event?
A. Yes. Milliseconds is our race timer. All events will be chip timed (except COPAKid’s Splash ‘n Dash). 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 a one-day license fee.
Q. How many events are there at The Deschutes Dash?
A. Eight: Olympic triathlon, Olympic duathlon, sprint triathlon, sprint duathlon, 10K and 5K run, the youth triathlon for ages 10-15 and the Kid’s Splash ‘n Dash for kids ages 3-9.
Q. Will there be any events for the kids?
A. Yes, The Center Foundation will host the COPAKid’s Splash & Dash event on Saturday, July 14th at 1:00 pm. For the older kids, we have the youth triathlon as well (ages 10-15). Kids 12 and over can also participate in the 10K run and kids 10 and over in the 5K run.
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.
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 river swim is 100% down stream and the run course is completely flat. The bike course has some elevation gain but the sprint distance course is only 12.5 miles of which about 3 have any significant elevation gain. There is also a “try a tri” swim wave for beginner triathletes.
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 62 degrees the last two years.
Q. Okay, but I don’t have a wetsuit. Can I rent one somewhere?
A. Please visit our RESOURCES page for more information.
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 for a total of four water stops.
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, water and hydration drink as well as tons of fruits, nuts and snacks. And of course,we will have free beer from Deschutes Brewery! We also plan to have vendors in our expo area offering up good eats for athletes and spectators.
Q. Is there a place nearby to stay?
A. We recommend Seventh Mountain Resort . They are located approximately 15 minutes from the start of the race. They are the official host hotel of the event and offer athletes and their families discounts. Visit our travel information page for details.
Q. I am thinking I’d like to camp. Can you recommend a camp site?
A. We suggest looking at the Forest Service, Oregon State Parks or the OregonTravels website. There are also many lodging options on the VisitBend website.
:: Swimming Questions
Q. Should I wear a wetsuit?
A. We recommend that you do. The water temperature will be between 60-63 degrees. Our good friends at FLEET FEET SPORTS have set up a special rental program with discounts for Deschutes Dash participants.
Q. Can I wear booties or other water type shoes in the river?
A. No, you must be barefoot! This is a USA Triathlon rule.
:: 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 Mil, at the swim start or along Columbia Avenue. Cars will be towed at the owner’s expense if we have to move a car. We will have a parking map available and signage will be posted all around the Old Mill directing you to parking.
Q. How do I get to the Les Schwab Amphitheater?
A. 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! Visit our travel page for complete details and maps.
Q. Since the swim is a point-to-point swim, how do 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.
:: Spectators
Q. Will I be able to see people while they are 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 and their website has a complete listing with phone numbers. Restaurants include Ben & Jerry’s, Hola Cafe, Red Robin, Greg’s Grill, Anthony’s HomePort Seafood Restaurant, Cafe Yum, Flatbread Community Oven and Pastini’s Pastaria. All are within walking distance of the start/finish line. In fact, get there early and sit out on the deck at Anthony’s, Red Robin or Pastini’s and you’ll have front row seats as the runners come by!
