Race Preview: Sisters Better Half 4/25/2015 (Sisters, OR)

I have found the perfect excuse to get in the car and head to Sisters! I really enjoy the Sisters/Bend/Sunriver area, and it's really not that far of a drive from Eugene to get there. I drive to Portland all the time for races, yet it's nearly the same driving time to Central Oregon. So, not surprising, I'm excited to point the car a different direction and head to Sisters to participate in the Sisters Better Half Marathon, occurring on Saturday, April 25!

The Sisters Better Half Marathon will have double-coverage from Run Oregon Blog, as fellow administrator Matt will be attending as well (read his preview here). Matt is lucky, as he is able to take advantage of the Bend Marathon taking place on Sunday, April 26, and getting in two races over one weekend! So, fellow Half Fanatics (I'm Fanatic #2635), here is a fantastic opportunity to moon-up and take advantage of what will be, undoubtedly, two incredible half marathons back-to-back.

Here is the scoop on the Sisters Better Half.  This walker friendly event, with a four hour time limit, allows participants to choose from a Quarter-Marathon (6.55 miles) or a Half-Marathon (13.1 miles). Just want to get in half of the half, with your better half? No problem. Bring a friend, and you may do the half marathon with a partner, and each participant will complete a Quarter-Marathon of 6.55 miles. Pretty cool! Here is the break down of relay team options: The ‘Better Half’ (male/female partners), female/female partners and male/male partners.

The course consists of a 6.55 mile loop. Quarter-Marathon participants will run the loop once, and half-marathoners will run the loop twice. You’ll get to tour the fabulous city of Sisters nicely, and take in some gorgeous mountain views. The start/finish line for all events will be at the Village Green Park in downtown Sisters. If you have not visited Sister, oh my gosh, you are in for a treat! All events begin at 9 a.m., so there is plenty of time to drive and not have to get up super-duper early from Eugene/Salem/Portland areas. Parking will be available near Village Green Park, but please carpool if possible and be courteous of private property. As the course is a loop, spectators will have lots of opportunity to say ‘hi’ and cheer you along to the finish line!

On the course, there will be two aid stations for each loop. Half-marathons will have an additional aid station on their second loop. All aid stations will feature Gatorade, water and gels.

Your registration fee, currently $35 for the quarter-marathon, $50 for the half and $60 for the relay (prices valid until April 22), includes an event shirt if registering by April 12. Same day registration is available for $5 extra. Proceeds from the event benefit the Sisters High School Swim Team. All finishers will also receive an engraved pint glass with free beer from hop ‘n Bean. Overall and age group winners will receive an engraved growler and certificate for a free fill at Hop ‘n Beam. A raffle with great prizes for all participants will also take place. Prizes from the raffle include a massage at Green Ridge Physical Therapy, tickets to the Sisters Rodeo, and a stay at the fantastic FivePine Lodge.

I hope to see a lot of fellow Half Fanatics out there aiming for two half-marathons in two days! You can do it! I’ve done it twice, and it is magical!

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2015
Distance: Quarter-Marathon (6.55 miles), Half-Marathon and Half-Marathon Relay
Start Time: 9 a.m. for all events
Cost: $35 for the quarter-marathon, $50 for the half and $60 for the relay (prices valid until April 22).Add $5 for race day registration.
Register: Click here to register