Hundreds of runners will Rumble into Sisters

The 14th annual Peterson Ridge Rumble 20- and 40-mile trail run is set for Sunday, April 10, with a full field of runners in both distances.

Race Director Sean Meissner, a former resident of Sisters now living in Durango, Colorado, is in town all week getting the course checked over and marked before the 8 a.m. start of the 40-mile race.

"The trails look to be in good shape due to the recent weather not being overly wintry," he said. "Some years we have to deal with snow."

The course starts at the junction of Edgington Road and McKenzie Highway near Sisters Middle School and utilizes the Peterson Ridge and Metolius-Windigo trail systems. The finish line is on the track at Reed Stadium.

The 40-mile race is part of the Oregon Trail Ultra Series and attracts some of the best ultra runners from around the Northwest. Some 150 runners are registered.

In fact, the majority of the competitors come from outside the area, which is a boon for Sisters-area restaurants and hotels, according to Meissner.

"More than half of the Rumblers are from outside of Central Oregon, which should mean some significant tourist dollars for the area," he said.

The quality of the 350-member 20-mile field looks strong as well, according to Meissner.

"I am thinking the winner will be under two hours, which would be quite a feat," he said.

Thomas Morgan returns as the defending champion, along with runner-up and former Olympian Ian Dobson. Scott Williams, a rookie to the rumble, but with strong credentials, also may challenge.

The 20-miler begins at 9 a.m.

The winners of each race will win $100 in prize money, while masters winners (40+) will earn $50. Finishers will feast on food from Longboard Louie's, along with treats from Sisters Bakery.

The Peterson Ridge Rumble has become one of the favorite trail races in Oregon. Meissner believes this comes from a combination of the event remaining low-key but well-organized, dog-friendly (20 mile), and on some of the most scenic trails in the state.

In addition to the finish line at Sisters Middle School, spectators can view the runners crossing Three Creek Road about a mile south of town, but are cautioned to use extra care if driving in the area as well as along Edgington Road and on the McKenzie Highway near the middle school.