Ugly Sweater Fun Run on tap in Sisters

Runners and walkers are invited to don their ugliest sweaters for a new event to benefit Circle of Friends dubbed the Ugly Sweater Fun Run.

The five-kilometer event, set for Saturday, December 4 at 10:15 a.m., will be staged from the Circle of Friends Clubhouse in downtown Sisters at 164 Elm St. While the cost of the race is on a donation basis, all participants must register at http://www.runsignup.com ($25 is recommended).

Race director Kelly Bither said the idea for the run grew from a gathering she and friends enjoyed in their neighborhood last year. “Five neighbors got together last year for a run, wearing our ugly sweaters, and that’s how this race was born,” she said. “I volunteer with Circle of Friends so we grew the idea into a fundraiser.”

Bither hopes to organize other events through her new organization RunSistersRun.

The course finishes at The Barn food truck court adjacent to the Circle of Friends property. Hot chocolate, coffee, and beer will be served following the race. Post-race festivities include handmade gifts from Circle of Friends, fun giveaways, and recognition of the ugliest sweaters. Food and drink will be available for purchase at The Barn.

The event is billed as a fun new tradition to share with friends and family.

Circle of Friends was established in 2011 by philanthropists Duncan and Cindy Campbell, who had operated a similar program in Portland prior to the purchase of the home that now houses Circle of Friends on the corner of Elm Street and Main Avenue. The program is focused on mentoring Sisters youth by providing guidance and experiences to help them build qualities including grit, self-determination, growth mindset, hope, and a sense of community and belonging.

The event is capped at 200 participants and 110 have already registered according to the Bither. Access to registration can be found at http://www.runsistersrun.com.