Volunteer Registration

July 25: oregon cascades 100 race
Backyard dad aid station

On Saturday, July 25th, runners from across the region will take on the Oregon Cascades 100, a 100-mile trail race featuring approximately 11,000 feet of climbing and descent through the beautiful Central Oregon Cascades. Common Ground is proud to be partnering with the event for another year, bringing volunteers together to support runners at one of the race's busiest aid stations. Whether you're helping fill water bottles, serving food, or cheering on participants, you'll play an important role in helping runners reach the finish line.

This year's theme is Backyard Dad. This isn't just an aid station, it's a Saturday afternoon in the suburbs. Volunteers are encouraged to fully embrace their inner dad: cargo shorts, tucked-in polos or button-up shirts, white crew socks, baseball caps, sunglasses, mustaches (real or fake), and New Balance shoes are highly encouraged. Bonus points for cell phone belt clips, golf clubs, lawn chairs, grilling aprons, and an excessive number of keys hanging from your belt.

The aid station should feel like runners just wandered into a dad's backyard. Think lawn chairs, coolers, golf bags, classic rock, dad jokes, and plenty of enthusiastic encouragement. Greet runners with peak dad energy, offer them "Dad Fuel," ask if they've been staying hydrated, and remind them that "we're making good time." The goal is simple: create the most welcoming, ridiculous, and memorable suburban backyard experience possible for every runner who passes through.

Additional aid station details:

• Location: Virginia Meissner Sno-Park area outside of Bend

• Shift 1 (10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.) – Aid station setup and preparation before runners arrive, then serving runners

• Shift 2 (12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.) – Peak race traffic and busiest volunteer period

• Shift 3 (2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.) – Peak race traffic through aid station teardown

• High-clearance vehicles are recommended but not required; there's approximately 4 miles of forest service roads are required to access the aid station

• Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged

• Expect warm to potentially hot summer conditions. Please bring water, sunscreen, and any personal snacks or beverages you'd like throughout your shift.

 Feel free to sign up for multiple shifts or stick around before or after your scheduled time. We'd love to have extra Backyard Dads cheering on runners and helping create a fun atmosphere throughout the day.

Text Cody Davis at 541-216-1396 if you have questions.