Hop Fest draws 52 runners

The cancellation of the Fresh Hop Fest resulted in a smaller than expected field of runners for the second Sisters Hop Fest Half & 5k — but Race Director Sean Meissner considered the event a success nonetheless.

The event did not take place in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Seventeen runners completed the half-marathon and another 35 took part in the 5-kilometer race, under what Meissner described as “absolutely gorgeous conditions.”

Jason Gulley, a physical therapist at Green Ridge Physical Therapy, defended his 2019 title in the half-marathon in a time of 1:24:02. Eric Liddell of Sisters finished second in 1:36:32.

Kimberly Davis won the women’s half in 1:53:16.

Chase Anspach won the 5k race, which was actually 5.3k according to Meissner, in 18:24. Christina Overbeck was the first woman, in a time of 20:05.

Ross Druckrey, the marketing manager for Three Creeks Brewing Co., was eager to have the race continue despite the cancellation of the festival, according to Meissner.

“We are grateful to Ross and Three Creeks for sponsoring us and allowing us to use the production facility for the race venue, the pub for packet pickup, and for providing the pint glasses and the tasty post-race beverages,” said Meissner. “I have no doubt the race numbers will grow next year with the return of the festival.”