St. Patrick's run brings in some green

Seventy-seven runners and walkers took part in the inaugural St. Paddy's Shamrock Run/Walk, sponsored by Sisters Multi-sport as a fundraiser for a local youth.

The unsettled spring weather broke just about the time the gun went off for the 5k and 10k event, and the sun shone through the trees providing a perfect atmosphere for the evening.

"We got so lucky, since an hour earlier it was hailing," said co-director Tate Metcalf. "It was a great turnout for a good cause."

Alex Stevens, an eighth grader from Redmond, blazed through the course in 17:23 to claim first place in the 5 kilometer run, while Frans Alajoki toured the 10k course in 34:45.

Jody Henderson and his all-star jazz band were on hand to provide lively music for the finishers, some decked out in green costumes, as they entered the Sisters Athletic Club complex.

The race served as a fund-raiser to help send Sisters Middle School student Craig Wessel to a summer camp. Wessel, a student of race director Josh Nordell's, announced age-group winners at the conclusion of the evening.

Nordell announced the next two events sponsored by Sisters Multi-sport, which include the Try a Tri and Do a Du mini triathlon and duathlon on Sunday, June 5, and Charlie's Challenge 15-kilometer trail run set for Sunday, June 19. All the group's events and complete results can be found at http://www.sistersmultisport.com.