Overview
The Alpine Solstice Half Marathon is the perfect way to celebrate the longest days of the year and kick off mountain running season. With smooth Central Oregon singletrack, views of the Cascades, and an energizing summer vibe, this race makes the most of Bend’s outdoor playground.
Whether you are chasing speed on the half marathon’s runnable course or testing yourself on the challenging new 55K, you will be greeted with alpine air, post-race brews, and a community that thrives on adventure. Join the fun and welcome summer on the trails with Alpine Running.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Registration
Opens
Jan 1, 2026, 12:00 AM
Closes
Jun 18, 2026, 11:59 PM
Registration Fee
$115-$135
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
13.1
M
Course type:
Unknown
Elevation gain:
▲
1,412 ft
Elevation loss:
▼
1,412 ft
Max altitude:
5981 ft
Start time:
Jun 20, 2026
12:00 AM
Cutoff time:
5 HR
Course Description
The half marathon course rolls through the Deschutes National Forest just off Cascade Lakes Highway, weaving through classic Central Oregon singletrack. With only 1,300ft of elevation gain, this is a fast and flowing trail half marathon that is ideal for newcomers to trail running as well as seasoned racers looking for speed. Expect smooth trails, forest shade, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Logistics
Nearest airports are Redmond (RDM), about 45 minutes from the start, and Portland (PDX), about 3.5 hours away. Lodging is widely available in Bend, Redmond, and Sisters.
Driving Directions
Parking
Parking is available at Swampy Lakes Sno Park. Please carpool when possible, as spaces are limited.
Lodging
There are numerous hotels and motels in Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. Camping is available in designated campgrounds or dispersed areas in the Deschutes National Forest.
Aid Stations
Aid stations are fully stocked with trail favorites including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, cookies, bananas, other sweet snacks, water, Coke, Ginger Ale, electrolyte drink, and gels. Runners will have access to everything they need to fuel their day in the mountains.
Half Marathon: Mile 8.2 → Main Aid Station → Cutoff 12:30PM
Race Requirements
The Alpine Solstice races are open to all runners ready to take on singletrack trails in the Cascades. While prior trail experience is recommended for the 55K, the half marathon is accessible to those comfortable with half marathon distance.
Trail Work
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
Refunds & Credits
No transfers to other runners. No exceptions.
Cancel more than 30 days before race day → you’ll receive 50% credit toward the same event the following year.
Cancel within 30 days of race day → no credit, no refund, no transfer. Please don’t ask—we keep this policy consistent for everyone.
How to Cancel for Race Credit
You must cancel 30+ days before the event to receive 50% credit.
Log into your Ultrasignup account.
Go to your registration history.
Cancel your entry.
That’s it—your spot will be released, and 50% credit will automatically roll to next year’s event.
Important: We cannot make exceptions, even for medical reasons or injuries.
Pre-Purchased Items
Gear like shirts, hats, pint glasses, or other add-ons must be picked up in person during race weekend check-in. Anything not collected will not be shipped.
Switching Distances
You can move up or down in distance before race day only.
If the distance you want is sold out and has a waitlist, you’ll need to join the waitlist—we can’t move you ahead of others.
Dropping down? No refunds.
Moving up? You’ll need to pay the difference before being added.
To switch, please email the race directors.
Race Cancellation
If we are forced to cancel an event and it cannot reasonably be rescheduled, there will be no refunds, no credits, no rollovers.
Other Notes
Personal checks are not accepted.
Reserved spots: Alpine Running holds a number of entries for sponsors and partners, outside of regular registration.
Pregnancy Deferral
We proudly offer a deferral for runners who are pregnant.
Eligibility: Any registered runner who is pregnant or becomes pregnant after registering.
Steps:
Submit a written Pregnancy Entry Deferral request to the Race Director before race day.
Provide confirmation of pregnancy or proof of birth from a physician, midwife, or other medical professional.
Your entry will be deferred for 1 year.
Dogs
Due to conditions of the race permit, no dogs are permitted on the course with participants.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Crews and visitors are welcome at the start and finish line at Swampy Lakes Sno Park. Please note that the trails remain open to the public and shared with other users including hikers and mountain bikers. Visitors are encouraged to cheer and celebrate at the finish area.
Volunteers
Every race has a secret sauce—and it’s not the aid station snacks. It’s the volunteers. Without their energy, smiles, and hard work, none of these events would happen.
Volunteering is a chance to give back to the trail running community, cheer on runners from a different perspective, and maybe even scope out what racing feels like before signing up yourself. Whatever brings you to the volunteer crew, we see you as partners—and we celebrate you like the trail heroes you are.
What You’ll Get as a Volunteer
At Alpine Running races, volunteers receive:
A quality race t-shirt (wear it with pride!)
A post-race meal and beverage—because good food tastes even better after trail magic
Race credit toward a future Alpine Running event
A Few Ground Rules
To keep things fair and sustainable, here’s how volunteer benefits work:
Credits expire within one year of being issued.
Credits don’t apply to volunteers associated with race sponsors.*
Credits and race-day perks are for folks who sign up ahead of time and fill their assigned role.
Credits can only be redeemed online during registration.
Alpine Running reserves the right to adjust credits, restrictions, or benefits if needed.
*If you’re part of a sponsor team, reach out to Alpine Running to learn more about your special perks!
Charity & Beneficiary
Proceeds benefit the Ridgeview High School cross country and track team, helping support youth athletes in Central Oregon.
Land Acknowledgement
This race takes place on the traditional lands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. We honor the history, stewardship, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities to this region.
About
Alpine Running
Alpine Running is a trail race organization rooted in the spirit of the Cascade Mountains, offering a collection of rugged, scenic, and soul-filling events across Oregon and Washington. Founded in 2017 by longtime mountain runner and nurse Trevor Hostetler, Alpine Running was born from a deep passion for wild places and the transformative power of endurance running. Since then, it has grown into a close-knit community of runners who value adventure, camaraderie, and purposeful connection to the trails.
At its core, Alpine Running embodies a low-key yet high-quality ethos. Events are marked by personal touches, from meticulously flagged courses to thoughtful safety planning and warm, volunteer-powered aid stations. Whether you’re pushing your limits in a mountain ultra or enjoying the views on a shorter course, every Alpine race is designed to challenge and uplift.
From the Elkhorn Crest 50 to other remote alpine races, Alpine Running events are as much about self-discovery as they are about competition. If you're seeking meaningful mountain miles with an authentic trail family, Alpine Running will welcome you with open arms and wild terrain.