Peterson Ridge Rumblers hit trail

Sean Meissner, long-time director of the annual Peterson Ridge Rumble 20- and 40-mile trail run here in Sisters, watched the weather reports for the past weeks, wondering whether the course this year would be covered in snow.

"These runners are ready for anything, but I am glad the course was snow-free and actually in really good shape," he said.

Below-freezing temperatures greeted the participants at the starting line, but before long runners shed some layers and gloves and enjoyed the perfect trail conditions.

"Many runners marveled at the course, which should make the local residents proud of the development of the trails around Sisters," said Meissner.

The course starts adjacent to Edgington Road near the intersection of the McKenzie Highway and covers large portions of the Peterson Ridge Trail System. The 40-mile course also includes stretches of the Windigo Trail. The finish at Sisters Middle School included an extra challenge: an optional hurdle 20 yards before the line.

Meissner, who now lives near Durango, Colorado, started the Rumble 15 years ago with an informal race of 31 friends and acquaintances. The race has now become among the most popular trail runs in Oregon, attracting runners from throughout Oregon and beyond.

This year's overall field was down a bit from previous years, with a total of 409 finishers. The race is limited to 500 runners.

Runners in the 40-mile race went in two waves, one at 7 a.m. and the next at 8 a.m., while the 20-mile race began at 9 a.m.

Christopher Enriquez of Portland pulled away from Thomas Morgan of Bend to win the 20-mile race in 2:03:32. Devon Calvin, 21, of Sisters was the top local finisher in 10th place in a time of 2:10:05. Camelia Mayfield of Bend topped the women's field in 17th place overall in 2:19:10, breaking the course record by a full two minutes.

The fastest dog in the 20-mile race, Chap, belonged to 2008 Olympian in the 5,000 meters Ian Dobson, who grew up in Klamath Falls. Dobson lost some time in the human competition when he had to go in search of his canine friend during the race.

Other runners with local ties included Winter Lewis, Scott Schreiner, Rikki (Glick) Heath, Alan Dale, Andrew Neary, Annie Winter, Jesse Durham, and Ramon Alonso.

A total of 314 runners completed the 20-mile race.

Sam Settlemeyer, 25, of Cottage Grove won the 40-mile race averaging 6:56 miles to finish in 4:37:30, exactly two minutes ahead of the runner-up, 41-year-old Rick Stilson of Bend.

"I loved the hurdle idea just before the finish," said Settlemeyer. "I knew as the winner I had no choice but to get over that thing."

The top woman, Jennifer Love, 26, of Portland finished in eighth place overall in 5:20:49, just ahead of Riva Johnson of Bend, who is 54 years old and was timed in 5:21:24.

Ninety-five runners completed the 40-mile course.

"It takes a lot of volunteers to pull this race off in a quality and safe manner, so I am so thankful for all the people who helped make the 2017 Rumble a success, including members of the cross-country and track teams and their coaches," said Meissner. "I appreciate everyone's efforts."