Get your ugly sweater ready to run

For the third year, RunSistersRun is offering a good reason to pull that Ugly Sweater out of the back of the closet as the Ugly Sweater 5k run is on tap for Saturday, December 2,  starting in downtown Sisters.

Action gets under way at 9:45 a.m. with a free "Santa's Lil' Helpers" 100-yard dash for ages 10 and under. At 10 a.m., runners and walkers will depart from Fir Street Park for a circuit to the north, past the post office and through Sun Ranch, making a short dogleg out Pine Street and come back through Sisters Park Drive and finish back at Fir Street Park. 

It's not too late to sign up, according to Race Director Kelly Bither, but must be done online at http://www.runsignup.com. A google search of "Ugly Sweater Run Sisters Oregon" will get you there. Groups of seven or more receive a discount. 

"So sign up with your friends!," said Bither. 

Bither started the Run in 2021 as a way for locals and visitors to come together for a fun, healthy event to kick off the holiday season. The event has been a great success, attracting over 400 people last year. 

"We encourage not only ugly sweaters, but any other festive holiday garb as well," she said.

Awards will be given for the best outfits.

To add to the spirit of the event, Santa will lead the participants on his red Vespa and a hot chocolate station will be available on the route. 

Bither's purpose goes beyond organizing a fun event. Her organization has benefitted local nonprofits, such as Circle of Friend, as well as athletic teams from Sisters High School. This year a portion of the proceeds will go to the Pine Sisken School and the Outlaws cross-country team, which is supplying volunteers. 

The race will be chip-timed by Eclectic Edge Racing, and all participants will receive a finisher's medal and a complimentary beverage. 

Food and drink will be available for purchase at The Barn, which is one of the sponsors, afterward.