Poker run raises trail awareness

Runners hit the trail in the 35-mile poker run held last weekend. The run promotes trail awareness. photo by Charlie Kanzig Most card players enjoy the comfort of a comfortable chair, some refreshments and a leisurely atmosphere. Imagine a card game that required traversing 35 miles on foot, picking up a new card every five miles or so to determine the winning combination for a single hand of five card stud.

That's what the entrants faced in the first annual Sisters Poker Run, held Sunday, October 24, starting near the Sisters Ranger Station.

Gene Trahern, sponsor of the race, staged the event to raise funds, and awareness, for the Sisters Community Trails System.

"The trail system planned for in and around Sisters offers amazing recreational activities for hiking, running, mountain biking and horse-riding," said Trahern. "It's wonderful for those who live here, as well as for those who come to our area to visit."

The 35-mile course started at Sisters Ranger Station and headed west to Indian Ford Campground and on up to the Head of the Metolius via the Metolius-Windigo Trail and continued on around the west side of Black Butte on the Upper Butte Trail before heading back to the ranger station.

Twenty-nine of the 35 starters finished the race. Michael McCarthy of Portland came out with the winning hand, a full house of jacks and kings. The runners actually got to pick the best five cards from the six cards they received, according to Trahern.

The top runner, Mark "Guidedog" Hartinger from Seattle, finished in 5 hours, 49 minutes.

Twenty-eight of the 35 starters came from outside the Central Oregon region, according to Trahern, which he views as further evidence that the trail system is good for the local economy.

Sisters runners Sean Meissner and Greg Eyerly were the top local entrants.

Trahern thanked Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill & Saloon for hosting a pre-race dinner as well as those who volunteered at the aid stations including SOAR, John Meier, Curt and Barb Ringstad, Craig Thornley, Marci Trahern and Kelly Eyerly.

"We hope to make this an annual event as a way to celebrate the trails in the Sisters area," said Trahern.