Third annual Recycle Run set for July 4

The third annual Recycle Run is set for July 4 as part of an Independence Day celebration at Creekside City Park in Sisters.

Event founder Julia Rickards and Sisters High School cross-country coach Charlie Kanzig are teaming up to coordinate the race.

"We have a lot of fun putting on the race each year and hope that the third year will attract even more runners and walkers to help raise money for Habitat for Humanity," said Rickards.

The name "Recycle Run" derives from Habitat for Humanity's reputation for operating two highly successful shops that specialize in offering reusable items for sale. In fact, the T-shirts offered for the run are all recycled shirts with the race emblem silk-screened onto them.

Things get underway early so that people have the rest of the day for all the other Fourth of July activities, which include the second annual Picnic in the Park at Creekside City Park (see related story, page 3).

Runners and walkers can choose from either a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) or an 8-kilometer (4.9-mile) distance. Registration is available online at http://www.sistershabitat.

org for $15. Day-of-race registration is $20 and opens at 7 a.m. Entry fee includes a recycled T-shirt and refreshments.

A prize drawing will take place following the race.

Rickards wants to see groups of friends or family all come together for the event, so she is offering $5 off the registration price for groups of four or more who register together.

The 8-kilometer run will begin at 8:05 a.m., followed by the 5k run at 8:10 a.m., and all walkers start at 8:15 a.m. High Country Disposal signed on again this year as a sponsor for the event.

The courses begin at Sisters Athletic Club, proceed onto the Peterson Ridge Trail system, and finish at Creekside City Park.