Peterson Ridge Rumble back for 2005

The Third Annual Peterson Ridge Rumble features a new start and finish, but otherwise sports the same scenic, rugged course that attracts long distance runners and ultra-marathoners from throughout the West.

Director Sean Meissner of Sisters expects to fill the field to its 300-person limit prior to the April 10 race day. The course will start and finish near Sisters Middle School.

“Using the school helps with the logistics of traffic and facilities,” said Meissner. “The track provides a great finish and we’ll have use of the school’s bathrooms and showers.”

Runners are encouraged to get in shape now for the run.

The 30- and 60-kilometer courses will begin across the street from the middle school on Edgington Road and proceed southeast to where it will cross Three Creek Road and continue east on Peterson Ridge Road to the intersection of the Peterson Ridge trail.

The 30-kilometer course will entail the upper Peterson Ridge trail and return back to the middle school where the finish will be on the track. The 60-kilometer (37.3 miles) will cross Three Creek Road at the top of the Peterson Ridge trail and make a loop along Squaw Creek then head back down the Peterson Ridge Trail and on down to the middle school.

A total of about five miles of each course is on gravel and cinder with the remainder being on dirt roads and trails.

Dogs are welcome to join the 30-kilometer race with their human running partners.

Since the event is part of the Oregon Ultra Series, Meissner expects many of the top ultra runners from around the Northwest to compete.

He also encourages locals to join the race.

“If you’re in shape to race a 10K you can make it through the 30K course conservatively,” he said. “The second half is largely downhill and the aid stations will be well-stocked to meet the needs of all runners.”

Early starters for the 60K will begin at 7 a.m.

Entry forms and other race information are available online at http://www.footzonebend.com/prr/rumble.