The 2008 FootZone Dirty Half Trail Run on June 8 will again be a benefit for the Deschutes Land Trust. The race, in which nearly 800 runners will compete in a half marathon on Phil’s Trail, is more than just a feat of athletic endurance. It is a charity race in which all proceeds will go directly to the Deschutes Land Trust.

“Recently some larger national benefit races have drawn criticism for the small percentage of the funds that actually go to the charity,” says Brad Chalfant, executive director of the Land Trust. “With the Dirty Half, every dollar goes directly to the Land Trust after the race costs are covered. And, the FootZone goes out of their way to get the event sponsored, bringing in additional generous donations from local and regional companies.” For example, Keen is matching $2 for every finisher in this year’s race. Several other sponsors are making substantial donations as well.

FootZone does not make any money on the event. “They’re doing it because they really believe in what we do,” adds Chalfant. FootZone, a shoe store in downtown Bend, has dedicated the last three Dirty Half trail runs to the Land Trust.

In the last three years, the Dirty Half has raised more than $35,000 for the Land Trust. The money raised by this year’s Dirty Half will help the Land Trust’s work to protect land in Central Oregon, including projects like Skyline Forest.