Suttle Lake Trailfest

Suttle Lake Trailfest returns to Sisters, Oregon on October 24th, offering a weekend of camping and adventure around Suttle Lake. Participants can choose from three endurance events: the 12-hour race, the 6-hour run, or the challenging 24-hour event. All races take place in the scenic South Shore Campground area, where runners will camp for free while enjoying access to food stations and a warming tent.
On the day of Suttle Lake Trailfest, expect crisp fall mornings with temperatures ranging from around 3 degrees Celsius at dawn to as high as 16 degrees by afternoon. The trail conditions are firm yet slightly soft underfoot, providing an excellent surface that is both runnable and forgiving on legs after multiple loops. With an average wind speed of nearly seven kilometers per hour, runners will need to consider how the breeze affects their pace throughout the day.
Since its inception, Suttle Lake Trailfest has become a significant event in the endurance running community around Sisters, Oregon. Each year sees hundreds of participants taking part across all three race categories. The funds raised through entry fees support local charity and scholarship initiatives that help young athletes gain access to sports equipment and training opportunities. For many runners, this is an annual tradition not just for personal challenge but also as a way to contribute positively to their community.
The course at Suttle Lake Trailfest consists of a 3.6-mile loop with an elevation change of about 110 feet per lap around the lake’s perimeter. This well-maintained trail features soft forest flooring and some roots that add variety for runners. The start/finish area houses one aid station where participants can find snacks, water, sodas, electrolyte drinks, gels, and even warm food items to refuel during their race. Additional support includes allowing pacers halfway through each event duration.
Weather-wise, racers should anticipate cool temperatures between 3 and 16 degrees Celsius with an average feel-like temperature around 8 degrees due to the typical October winds in Sisters. With only minimal precipitation expected—about one point seven millimeters of rain—the chances for wet conditions are low but not impossible given Oregon's climate. Trail conditions remain firm despite being slightly soft, ensuring runners can maintain their pace without undue fatigue.