Running Commentary...

Will the trails around Sisters ever be free of snow? On a training run this week in preparation for the Peterson Ridge Rumble (see below), I found myself struggling in four to five inches of snow above the Eagle Rock loop and wondered if it was Christmas break or spring break.

I think we'll all be glad to exchange the white stuff for a little dust on the trail. Looking on the bright side, the untracked snow did make for a beautiful and tranquil morning run.

Speaking of trail runs, there are two upcoming events that have become integral to the running community in Central Oregon:

Peterson Ridge RumbleApril 13

The Sixth Annual Peterson Ridge Rumble Trail Run, Sisters' largest running event, is set for Sunday, April 13. It is actually two races in one: a 60-kilometer ultra-marathon (37.2 miles) and a 30-kilometer race. Part of the Oregon Ultra Series, the 60k race has become tradition for trail runners throughout the Northwest.

The shorter 30k-race (18.6 miles) attracts its own fair share of runners, many from the Central Oregon area, including Sisters.

Sisters ultra runner Sean Meissner is the race director and kindly donates all the proceeds of the race to the Sisters High School cross country team, which provides many of the volunteers for the event.

While the event is relatively low key, it does draw some of the best trail runners in the northwest. At the same time, recreational runners, and their dogs, make up a large proportion of the 30-kilometer field. Both courses begin and end at Sisters Middle School and include the popular Peterson Ridge Trail south of town.

The 60-kilometer course crosses Three Creeks Road and includes a very challenging climb back up from Whychus Creek before continuing on down the Peterson Ridge Trail, making another loop on trails southwest of Sisters and down to the middle school.

The 30-kilometer course joins the Peterson Ridge Trail off of Brooks Scanlon Road, continues up to the top of Peterson Ridge and returns to the finish as an out and back course

Meissner is the manager of Bend's new running store on the west side. Fleet Feet is scheduled to open April 3, at 1320 Galveston. Fleet Feet Inc. is a locally owned franchise that sells running and walking footwear and clothing.

Information on the Rumble, course maps and entry forms are available online at http://www.fleetfeetbend.com/rumble.

Pole Pedal PaddleMay 17

The grandfather of endurance events in Central Oregon, the PPP is fun for all ages. Put together a team to ski, bike, run and paddle, or try the whole thing yourself. The event starts at Mt. Bachelor with a downhill run, followed by a Nordic ski section. From there a 22-mile bike ride (almost all downhill) gets you into Bend where a runner takes the baton for an 8-kilometer jaunt before handing off to a paddler in Mirror Pond. The race culminates with a 200-yard dash to the finish line. For complete information visit http://www.mbsef.org/events/ppp.

Dirty HalfJune 8

A number of Sisters area runners have already signed up for the Dirty Half scheduled for June 8 in Bend. This half-marathon, on Phil's Trail west of Bend, has become the most popular running event in the region.

Register in person at the Foot Zone in Bend or check out the Web site at http://www.dirtyhalf.footzonebend.com.