Red, White & Blue run attracts 200+

The first iteration of the "Red, White, and Blue" 5K run and walk attracted over 200 participants on July 4th.

The race replaced the annual "Rumble on the Runway 5K" that had been a part of the Sisters Eagle Airport festivities that took place for many years.

Thursday's untimed, low-key event included people of all ages - visitors and locals alike - who enjoyed a pancake breakfast supplied by the Sisters Rotary Club following their navigation of the 5K course that started and finished at Village Green Park.

Kelly Bither of RunSistersRun took on the event and worked in tandem with the Rotary Club which organized the rest of the Sisters 4th Fest with C4C.

Bither commented afterwards about the general high spirits participants displayed: "It was so fun to see so many families out running together and people really got into dressing up in red, white, and blue and other patriotic outfits."

Photo by Charlie Kanzig

This 4-year-old ran the whole 5K course - and won everyone's heart.

One group from Washington State dressed up as the founding fathers and earned one of the "best outfit" prizes. One of the group members appreciated that the race started and finished on Jefferson Street.

Local runners took the top spots in the race with George Roberts finishing first overall, and Ella Bartlett placing first among women.

One local runner said, "While some locals lamented the loss of the Rumble on the Runway, the setting at the park turned out to be ideal for families."

Photo by Charlie Kanzig

A runner bearing the flag showed the Spirit of '76.

Bither counted the event as a great success.

"We had over 200 registrants and the early start worked out great for temperature and traffic concerns," she said. "I can't wait to do it again next year!"

Some proceeds from the race will benefit the Sisters High School cross country team which provided volunteers for the event.