Running commentary

Wrapping up fall means the end of cross country and most of the local trail races. A few notable efforts by locals highlight the competitive fall season.

Stefan Redfield, 2007 SHS graduate, helped his teammates at Willamette University qualify for nationals as the Bearcats' number-two finisher last weekend in the NCAA West Regional Championships. Redfield finished eighth overall in the meet in 26:00.1 for the 8-kilometer (4.98-mile) course.

Willamette's team finished second in the meet to earn an automatic berth to the National Meet in Cleveland, Ohio on November 21.

Another Outlaws alum, Benton Urquhart, wrapped up his freshman season at Northwest Christian University. His best time of the season was 26:56 for eight kilometers.

Sisters senior Parker Bennett tried out a race at the collegiate distance in Sandy on Saturday, November 14 at the USATF State Cross Country championships. Running in the open division with adults, Bennett placed 5th overall in 27:10 for the rugged 8-kilometer course. His Outlaws cross country teammate Taylor Steele finished fifth in his age-group division on a 5-kilometer course in 17:30.

Bennett will be competing in the annual Nike Border Clash race on Saturday, November 21 which pits the top 40 high school runners from Oregon against the top 40 runners from Washington. The 4,400-meter race is run entirely on the sprawling Nike Campus in Beaverton.

Local runs coming up:

The annual Central Oregon Community College Turkey Trot is scheduled for this Saturday at the COCC campus. This low-key, three-mile run and walk begins at 10 a.m. at the COCC track. Sign up at FootZone of Bend or day of race. Lots of food and prizes following the event.

If you want to go a bit further in a race, The Best Dam Run and Relay may be for you. This event has been moved to November 21 from the traditional Super Bowl Sunday date. Distances include 20.3 miles, 10 kilometers and a 2-kilometer fun run. The 20-miler can be run as a two- or four-person relay. Race benefits Crook County Track and Field program. $20 per runner. Entry forms at http://www.footzonebend.com.

I Like Pie 3 Run starts at the FootZone in Bend at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Suggested $6 donation along with five cans of food gets you in on the fun run followed by some pie-eating. An entry form is available at http://www.footzonebend.com.

The Jingle Bell 5-kilometer Run and Walk for Arthritis is scheduled for December 5 in downtown Bend. Entry forms are available at Sisters Athletic Club.