Saturday, September 25th, 2010 Bend, Oregon to Sunriver, Oregon  
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. What are the 2010 dates?
  • A. Saturday, September 25th, 2010 [top]
  • Q. What are the starting times?
  • A. The race start times begin at 8:00am Saturday and continue in waves every 15 minutes throughout the day until approx 9:00am. Each wave has 10-20 teams. [top]
  • Q. How long has the HDD been around?
  • A. This will be the 3rd Annual High Desert Dash! You have the opportunity to be part of a wonderful repeat event. We are the first Central Oregon relay race of this type ever held here from Bend to Sunriver. We are able to showcase our communities and local businesses, and in the process raise money for the Family Access Network (FAN)! [top]
  • Q. What is Family Access Network?
  • A. Many families in our community struggle to make it from day to day. Inadequate housing, hunger, health and mental health problems and unemployment all contribute to an ongoing cycle of poverty.

    FAN Advocates link children and families to critical social supports with the goal of keeping children in school. Working with one dedicated advocate, a student or parent is referred for dental work, job opportunities, clothing, rental assistance, childcare support, health insurance or whatever the need.

    Central to FAN's approach is empowering families to take action to help themselves. FAN's comprehensive network to the web of services available in Deschutes County makes it extremely effective.

    FAN’s Mission and Vision: FAN is committed to building a healthy community by alleviating the suffering of children in need. FAN's mission is to improve lives by ensuring all children in Deschutes County have access to basic-need services [top]
  • Q. Who is High Desert Dash LLC?
  • A. High Desert Dash LLC is an event company that was formed by Sarah Dennis and Greta Salvo. We are just two people in the local community that saw a need for a valuable organization! This is a “GRASS ROOTS” effort to raise some money for our recipient of choice: Family Access Network. We also felt that it was about time for Central Oregon to show case it’s self as a premier community, help businesses to promote their business and thrive. [top]
  • Q. Is HDD LLC a Non-Profit?
  • A. High Desert Dash LLC is NOT a non-profit. We are an event company that was formed so that we can put on the High Desert Dash. The money earned from this event will be used to cover all the costs of the race. Costs of the race are TBD by the LLC. Once all the costs of the race are covered then the remaining amount will go to FAN. At this point there is not a set amount guaranteed to FAN, however the 2008 we raised $2150 or FAN and in 2009 we raised $5000 for FAN. Our goal is to double the teams and double our 2009 donation in 2010. The more the participation and volunteers, then the more can go to FAN. [top]
  • Q. What are your 2010 goals?
  • A. Double the teams to 80-100 teams. Double the giving to FAN! [top]
  • Q. Where does the race start?
  • A. Starting location is the Athletic Club of Bend, 61615 Athletic Club Dr. Bend, OR 97702 [top]
  • Q. Where does the race end?
  • A. The finish line for the race is the beautiful Sunriver Resort and Hotel, Sunriver Oregon. At the end of the race there will be a band, vendor drawings, food vendors available, and team awards!   [top]
  • Q. What is the distance?
  • A. The race encompasses 33 miles of beautiful Central Oregon, first walking towards Mt Bachelor and then veering left on the back roads to Sunriver.   [top]
  • Q. How many legs are there?
  • A. The race consists of ten (10) Legs. Each walker/runner is required to complete two (2) of the 10 legs.   [top]
  • Q. How long is each leg?
  • A. Each Leg ranges in distance from 2.3 to 4.7 miles. Legs vary in difficulty, from easy to very hard, due to the varying Oregon terrain. You can also review our Course Map   [top]
  • Q. How many runners are on each team?
  • A. Each Team consists of two to five (5) runners and/or walkers. This is a unique opportunity to mix runners and walkers! If you choose to have a team with less than 5 participants, it simply means you and your teammates will be running more than 2 legs each. If you choose to go with less than 5 people, the team fees do not change. Team fees are based on a team, not number of participants.   [top]
  • Q. How many teams are there?
  • A. TBD, However our goal this year is to have 80-100 teams participate. We are anticipating there will be one team from each school, plus people from inside and outside of the area.   [top]
  • Q. How many vehicles do we need?
  • A. You only need one van or car. The car must legally fit five (5) people at one time (or 6 if you have a driver). You are not required to have a driver. Teammates simply take turns driving throughout the course. Should you choose to have a driver, the driver IS NOT considered to be your required volunteer and does not receive event t-shirts.   [top]
  • Q. Who is eligible to run?
  • A. Anyone who is 14 years of age or older, however teams must consist of a minimum of two adults and three high school aged teens. Our first concern is safety, therefore one adult should be in the team vehicle at all times. The rest of the team may consist of high school aged students (freshman through senior at the time of the race). Each child under the age of 18 must have a special waiver signed by their parent and/or legal guardian. Please contact info@highdesertdash.com to request this waiver form.   [top]
  • Q. Who can I talk to about questions on the race?
  • A. You can call Sarah Dennis 541-480-9715 or Greta Salvo 541-728-8694. We can also be reached via email at info@highdesertdash.com   [top]
  • Q. What is our team volunteer going to be required to do?
  • A. Upon registering your team, you will need to have a volunteer who will be available during the day of race to work an estimated 2-3 hour shift. Two weeks prior to race day, we will be assigning the team volunteers and general volunteers their assignment. If you have a special request, please contact us via email. We will certainly try to accommodate your request, however based on the number of volunteers available, we may or may not be able to accommodate your request. Please contact us right away with any questions about registration and volunteers.   [top]
  • Q. I am not running or walking in the race but can I volunteer for race day?
  • A. Yes! Each year, the success of the race is dependent upon its volunteers. Teams are required to have at least one (1) volunteer. We would love to have you volunteer because volunteers are who make sure the event is even more successful and safer than ever.   [top]
  • Q. If I have a team that some people like to walk and some people like to run, can we mix the two?
  • A. Absolutely, all we ask is that you be accurate with your estimated times that you say you can finish each leg. It is this information that we need to be accurate so that we can place you in the right starting order.   [top]
  • Q. Are there any other activities before or after the race?
  • A. Yes! We will have coffee, music and GREAT positive energy surrounding you! Our finish line is located right at the Sunriver Resort and Hotel. Come join us!   [top]