Nothing dampens Sisters' holiday spirit

Truly ugly weather didn't dampen the spirits of the 250 runners and walkers who took part in the third annual Ugly Sweater Run and Walk, organized by Kelly Bither of RunSistersRun.

Strong wind gusts combined with nearly constant rain made for some cold conditions - and soaked sweaters - but smiles remained on the faces of the festive participants.

A very short dash for children started things off at 9:45 a.m. as members of the cross-country team led some youngsters on an out and back, preceding the main event at 10 a.m.

With Santa Claus leading the way on his red Vespa, entrants headed north from the start at Fir Street Park and wound their way through the industrial park, and out a dogleg on Pine Street before looping back to the finish.

The demographics of the race indicated that nearly half of the finishers came from Sisters proper, which pleased Bither, who wants to provide fun events for locals as well as visitors. Another 70 came from Bend and Redmond, underscoring the local nature of the race.

"That is the goal of RunSistersRun," she said. "We had a great turnout and it was so fun to see all the ugly sweaters and holiday outfits."

Two 5-year-olds finished the 5k and 11 were 70 or older, giving proof that the event really is designed for all ages.

As has been her practice since she began directing races in Sister, Bither contributes financially to local nonprofits and schools. This year a portion of the proceeds will go to the Pine Sisken School and the Sisters High School cross-country team, which supplied many of the volunteers for Saturday's race.

Results can be found on the RunSisterRun website and at EclecticEdgeRacing.

Next up on the RunSistersRun calendar is the Lucky Leprechaun, set for March 10 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.