Sisters runners ring in the new year

Sixty-two runners and walkers braved the chilly air of New Year's Day morning as participants in the inaugural Resolution Run and Walk, a benefit for the life skills program at Sisters Middle School.

The low-key event provided contestants with a choice of a five-kilometer or five-mile course through the side-streets west of Sisters Athletic Club.

Co-race-director Tate Metcalf joked at the start, "Actually, you can go wherever you want."

Josh Nordell, the life skills teacher at Sisters Middle School and co-director of the race, plans to apply funds raised by the event toward the program that gives students a chance to learn about cooking, gardening and other life skills.

The middle school staff was well-represented in the run with six members taking part, including teacher Dave Glick, who had just returned from a family vacation in the warm climes of Florida.

"Between the difference in elevation and temperature from Florida, this was a bit of challenge," he said.

As finishers trickled in, people wished one another well in the New Year around the table of donuts from Sisters Bakery.

"What a great way to start 2011," said Nordell. "A good morning run with friends is one of those simple pleasures."

Nordell and Metcalf have half a dozen other events in the planning stages for the upcoming year, which will be highlighted in The Nugget soon.