Runners Rumble in Sisters

The Peterson Ridge Rumble 20- and 40-mile trail race set records on Sunday, April 14: The 17th annual event drew more runners, both two- and four-legged, in the 20-mile portion than ever before.

Sean Meissner, creator and race director, was all smiles as the event wrapped up as he stood amidst hundreds of happy finishers, both human and canine, feasting on post-race food catered by Longboard Louie’s of Bend.

“Everything went about as well as I could have hoped,” he said. “The weather was cool, but not a problem, the trail was clear of snow, and everyone seemed to have a good experience.

Runners are allowed to register with their canine companions for the 20-miler according to Meissner, and near 100 did so this year — although the unofficial count of dogs starting the race was probably closer to 70.

Jared Bassett (no pun intended) came through as the winner by just over a minute in the 20-miler in a time of 2 hours 7 minutes and 21 seconds. Rachel Drake of Portland won the women’s division in 2:20:30 and finished sixth overall.

Ian Dobson, former Stanford and Olympic runner who grew up in Klamath Falls and now resides in Bend, finished fourth overall, but finished first in the “runner with dog” category. He and his buddy Chap finished in 2:14:37. Devon Calvin, a former runner for the Sisters Outlaws, was the top finisher with local ties, placing fifth in 2:20:22.

Other local finishers in the 20 mile race included Ben Fullhart (2:44:49), Riley Willitts (2:49:52), Jennifer Horrocks (3:22:18), Phoenix Ries (3:29:12), Chantel Welch (3:29:42), Annie Winter (3:29:58), Mary Jane Schulte (3:40:37), Gene Trahern (3:57:30) and Kelly Davis Martin (4:57:03).

A total of 347 runners completed the 20-mile course, which traverses the Peterson Ridge Trail after starting at the junction of Edgington Road and the McKenzie Highway. The race finishes on the track at Reed Stadium.

The 40-mile race covers the same course in the first half and continues southwest on trails and dirt roads beyond Crossroads.

Mario Mendoza, an elite runner living in Bend, won the 40-mile race in a time of 4:08:40, which translates to approximately a 6-minute-and-13-second pace per mile. He nipped Tyler Green of Portland by just 29 seconds.

Ashley Nordell of Sisters dominated the female field, winning by nearly a half an hour in time of 4:58:58.

Zander Albertson ran steady throughout his first 40-mile race and finished in 6:53:05 for 44th place overall.

“It was all right out there,” he said afterwards. “It was actually fun.”

A total of 95 runners finished the 40-mile race.

Director Meissner, a long-time supporter for Sisters High School and Sisters Middle School cross-country and track programs, donates some of the proceeds of the race to those teams. Members of those teams, along with coaches, provide much of the race-day logistics and support at aid stations, road crossings, and the finish line.

“It’s a win-win-win for the Sisters community,” said Meissner. “Runners come from all over and have a memorable, high-quality experience. The community gets tourism dollars, and the teams get some support for their programs.”