Sisters Country

Sisters Country is a premier spring trail running event scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Sisters, Oregon. Organized by Alpine Running, the race serves as a season opener for many Pacific Northwest athletes, offering a 50K ultramarathon and a Half Marathon. Both distances are designed to be approachable for trail-running newcomers while remaining fast enough for competitive veterans. The event also functions as a community fundraiser, with registration fees supporting the Ridgeview High School Cross Country team.

The geography of the course is defined by the high-desert landscape of Central Oregon, characterized by towering Ponderosa Pines and volcanic terrain. Both races start and finish at Village Green Park, providing panoramic views of the Cascade Peaks, including the Three Sisters. The 50K course is relatively "runnable" by ultramarathon standards, with 2,400 feet of total climbing. In early May, Sisters typically experiences crisp mornings around 2°C (36°F) and pleasant daytime highs of 17°C (63°F). The trails are predominantly dry and dusty single-track, though lingering snow can occasionally be found at higher elevations during late spring.

Logistically, the race has a strict "no transfer" and "no refund" policy, though partial credits are offered for cancellations made more than 30 days in advance. The 50K features five fully stocked aid stations, while the Half Marathon includes two. For those arriving from out of town, the start line at 305 South Fir Street is centrally located within the walking district of Sisters. Registration remains open until May 1, or until the race sells out.

The participation demographics for Pacific Northwest trail races like Sisters Country often reflect broader trends in the outdoor industry. According to the 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, trail running continues to see a lack of diversity in high-altitude mountain regions. In Oregon, approximately 84% of trail runners identify as White, while 6% identify as Hispanic, 4% as Asian American, and roughly 1% as Black or African American. These figures align with national data showing that while overall outdoor participation is rising, Black Americans participate in trail running at a rate significantly lower than their proportion of the U.S. population, often cited in research as a result of historical exclusion from wilderness areas and persistent socio-economic barriers to remote race locations.