Once again Bend is recognized in a "best of" list, and this time it's for a first ever event.

"Men's Health" Magazine, an internationally renown publication named Bend's Leadman Triathlon one of the top 20 triathlons in America.

Visit Bend's Doug La Placa says it came as a surprise when they were notified.  "Yeah, we were surprised. We didn't expect a first year event to gain that kind of recognition so quickly. We think it's a great sign and we have some things that we're looking forward to; improving for year 2 and beyond with the Leadman Triathlon. So yeah, this is a nice feather in the cap for the event, that's for sure."

La Placa says the notoriety will surely help boost tourism to the area.

Here’s the link to the Men's Health article: http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/20-best-triathlons  You will see Bend is listed first.