FootZone’s Dirty Half Charity Race Produces Real Funding

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.

Teague Hatfield, owner of FootZone, explains that when FootZone created the race in 2001, it was not about making money. “We just wanted to create a great running event. It was a natural fit for the store, SuperDave and me. Dave has great ideas, and it made sense to support him and encourage some diversity in his work at the store,” says Hatfield.

After three years, Hatfield saw an opportunity to get companies that he buys from – like Keen, Brooks, Dansko, and others – to support a local conservation effort. “Every year, we have escalated the event, both in participants and the fundraising aspect of it,” says Hatfield. The effort has paid off, to tune of more than $35,000 in the last three years.

In addition, says Hatfield, “It is amazing how much the community rallies to help make this happen. A lot of great volunteers and support make it all possible. And, of course, SuperDave really does give it its personality.”

The Deschutes Land Trust, whose mission it is to conserve land in Central Oregon, is in the midst of an ambitious effort to acquire and conserve Skyline Forest, a 33,000 acre former tree farm between Bend and Sisters. Brad Chalfant, executive director of the Land Trust, says, “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.”

About Deschutes Land Trust
The Deschutes Land Trust works cooperatively with landowners to conserve land in Central Oregon for wildlife, scenic views, and local communities. Since 1995, the Land Trust has protected more than 7,200 acres.