Runners rumble down the runway

In what may be the most unique start of a race in Oregon, 66 runners and walkers headed out on the 5K Rumble on the Runway following a low passover by a plane and behind the roaring engines of a hot rod and a souped-up semitruck.

The event is part of the Fourth of July celebration held annually at Sisters Eagle Airport.

The race, which benefits the Sisters Schools Life Skills program’s involvement in Special Olympics-related activities, attracted participants of all ages.

Despite some reported wrong turns, all of the starters made their way safely back to the finish line.

Will Thorsett and John Peckham crossed the line together as the top male finishers in a time of 16:52. The recent graduates of Sisters High School (SHS) will both be running for Division 1 colleges in the fall — Thorsett at Gonzaga and Peckham at University of Idaho.

Iris Powell, a 2005 graduate of SHS, stopped the women’s field in a time of 19:15.

Race Director Bryn Singleton, who works in the Life Skills program, felt positive about the turnout in the race’s return after being cancelled last year.

“I thought it was a great turnout and it was so nice to see people out enjoying a community event,” she said. “We really appreciate the support for the Life Skills program and are so grateful for the generosity of the airport for including us in their event.”

The Eagle Airport Fourth of July events also included a fly-in, pancake breakfast, helicopter rides, and a classic car show. Proceeds of those events are earmarked to support the aviation program at Sisters High School. (See related story)