Rumble attracts ultra marathoners

The seventh annual Peterson Ridge Rumble 60 kilometer and 30 kilometer trail races attracted over 250 runners who traversed much of the Sisters Trail System south of town on Sunday, April 5.

A total of 87 runners braved rough trail conditions on the 60 kilometer course that was actually cut back to about 35 miles due to low-lying snow near upper Whychus Creek, according to race director Sean Meissner.

Andy Martin of Bend had no trouble negotiating the course, winning in four hours, two minutes and one second (4:02:01). Caitlin Smith of Oakland, California won the women's division in 4:36:57.

In the 30-kilometer race, which was actually about 33 kilometers, Mark Peterson cruised to victory in 2:19:55. Lisa Spencer of Boise, Idaho, who placed fourth overall, was close behind in 2:23:01.

The course changed a bit this year due to new access thanks to the Sisters Trails Committee's offshoots from the main Peterson Ridge Trail.

"People loved the new trails, so I am ever grateful to the folks that planned and built the new trails," said Meissner.

Proceeds from the race will benefit the Sisters High School cross country running team, which provided many volunteers for the event. In addition, Meissner plans to donate some money to the Trails Committee for future work.

Total proceeds may amount to over $5,000, according to Meissner.

A number of locals took part in the "shorter" run, including Scott Buckles, who was the top Sisters finisher in 13th place with a time of 2:34:39. Two Sisters residents completed their seventh Rumble in a row. One was 77-year-old Don Hildebrand (4:05.48), who said it was his best Rumble ever, and the other was Gene Trahern (4:38:56), who ran with his 14-year-old son Garrett (4:38:56), who completed his fifth Rumble.

Other Sisters finishers included Char Sundstrom (3:34:38), Wendy Miller (3:34:38), Jennifer Burke (3:38:40), Kim Addison (4:50:01) and Bunny Thompson (5:24:25).

Participants came from all over the northwest, but Meissner is glad that local runners took part.

"I'm always glad when Sisters runners take part in the Rumble since the trails are right in our backyard," said Meissner. "It was a great day for running."