Bend, Oregon to Host 2013 Snowshoe National Championships March 15-17

As a result of its abundance of fluffy white stuff and its reputation for hosting top-notch elite sporting events, Bend, Oregon has been selected to host the 2013 Snowshoe National Championships.

Officials with the U.S. Snowshoe Association made the announcement last week. “We’re very pleased to be partnering with the folks at Visit Bend to present our 13th annual Dion Snowshoes U.S. National Snowshoe Championships,” noted Mark Elmore, Director of Sports for the U.S. Snowshoe Association. “The USSSA was very impressed with Bend and the city’s experience hosting national level sporting events. Our last national championship held in the western region was extremely well-attended, so we expect a large and enthusiastic turnout.”

The event is slated for March 15-17, 2013 and will take place at Swampy Lakes Sno-Park. It features six different race events including several “open” events that don’t require qualifying or USSSA membership. “Some of these categories are tailored for newcomers to the sport, so it truly is an inclusive event,” Elmore added.

Categories will include junior boys and girls 5k, senior men and women 10k, and a 5k that will be open to local citizens. There’s also a Kids Kilo event and a
4×2.5km team relay.

According to Visit Bend CEO Doug La Placa, the event is expected to draw 500 competitors, spectators, and support staff to the area. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to show winter recreation enthusiasts from around the country why Bend is a top destination for all kinds of snow sports,” La Placa added. “Landing an event of this caliber solidifies Bend’s status as a top destination for elite sporting events.”

In recent years, Bend has been named one of the world’s top 25 ski towns (National Geographic), #1 Town for Sportsmen (Outdoor Life), America’s Top Adventure Town (Men’s Journal), Top 10 Fly Fishing Towns in the U.S. (Fly Fisherman), one of the Best Fishing Towns in America (Field & Stream), best trail running town (Outside) one of the country’s Top Five Ski Towns (Travel + Leisure), and the #1 mountain biking town in the United States (Mountain Bike Action).

For information on Bend, visit www.visitbend.com.

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