5-Time U.S. Bank ‘Pole Pedal Paddle’ Elite Men’s winner Marshall Greene is hoping to be in the mix Saturday when over 3,000 participants cross the finish line in Bend at the Les Schwab Amphitheater completing the 38th annual historic event.
There have been 4 different men’s winners in as many years, with Greene winning 5-straight 2006-2010.
Last year Santiago Ocariz won the event with Greene finishing second, and 2011 winner Andrew Boone placing third.
Greene, 32, from Bend claims he is not in the best shape as he has been focused on his family of 2, and a full-time job. However, Greene is hoping he can strategize a win over the younger and hungry field to notch his 6th Championship.
Justin Wadsworth is the all-time winningest competitor who won 8 straight 1989-96. Ben Husaby won 6 in a row 1999-2004.
The competitors begin at Mt. Bachelor with 5-mile Alpine and Nordic skiing leg, followed by a 22-mile bike ride down the mountain in to Bend. Then the racers ditch the bikes for a 5-mile trail run along the Deschutes River near The Bend Athletic Club.
The run ends along the riverbank where the entrants hop in canoes and kayaks for a 1 1/2 mile paddle in the little Deschutes at The Old Mill District. And, finally an 800-meter dash finishes the event.
Sarah Max is the defending Elite Women’s Champion, and she won it back-to-back in 2008 & 2009. Max and Stephanie Howe have dominated the women’s side with Howe claiming 3-straight 2010-2012.
Suzanne King won 4 straight 2004-07.
The Elite competitors start Saturday at 9:15am, and expect to finish around 10:45-11:00am.
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