Overview
The Sisters Country Half Marathon is your chance to welcome spring the trail runner’s way: dirt under your shoes, sunshine filtering through tall Ponderosa Pines, and the crisp mountain air of Central Oregon. Starting and finishing in the heart of Sisters at Village Green Park, this race is all about celebrating the running season with community, energy, and a course that makes you want to run fast.
With wide-open singletrack, only 700ft of climbing, and jaw-dropping views around every turn, the half marathon is perfect for first-timers making the leap to trail distance or seasoned runners looking for a fast early-season effort. Expect a fun and festive finish with burritos, beer, and high-fives waiting for you at the park.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Registration
Opens
Oct 1, 2025, 12:00 AM
Closes
May 1, 2026, 11:59 PM
Registration Fee
$95-$145
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
13.1
M
Course type:
Unknown
Elevation gain:
▲
1,200ft
Elevation loss:
▼
1,200ft
Max altitude:
3,200ft
Start time:
May 3, 2026
9:00 AM
Cutoff time:
6HR
Course Description
The half marathon winds through 95% singletrack trails, weaving between towering Ponderosa Pines with the peaks of the Cascades as your backdrop. The course is known for being fast and approachable, making it an ideal race for newcomers to trail running or anyone eager to test their speed over 13.1 miles of dirt. With only 700ft of climbing, runners will enjoy a rolling profile and plenty of runnable sections, balanced by just enough challenge to keep things exciting.
Key features:
Stunning views of the Sisters Mountains
Trail surfaces ranging from soft pine duff to rocky stretches
Community-filled aid stations with lively volunteers
Logistics
The nearest major airport is Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), located 30 minutes from Sisters.
Portland International Airport (PDX) is approximately 3 hours away by car.
Driving Directions
Parking
Parking is available near Village Green Park in Sisters. Participants and visitors are asked to use designated parking areas in town and to be respectful of local businesses and residents.
Lodging
Discounted rooms are available at Left Coast Lodge in Sisters with a 2-night minimum stay. Additional lodging options are available in Sisters, Redmond (30 minutes), and Bend (30 minutes).
Aid Stations
There are two aid stations on the half marathon course. They are stocked with water, electrolyte drink, bananas, chips, and gels. Runners can expect friendly volunteers and plenty of encouragement.
Race Requirements
The Sisters Country races are open to runners of all experience levels. Trail running experience is recommended for the 50K due to the distance, but no previous ultra finishes are required.
Trail Work
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
Refunds & Credits
No transfers to other runners. No exceptions.
Cancel more than 30 days before race day → you’ll receive 50% credit toward the same event the following year.
Cancel within 30 days of race day → no credit, no refund, no transfer. Please don’t ask—we keep this policy consistent for everyone.
How to Cancel for Race Credit
You must cancel 30+ days before the event to receive 50% credit.
Log into your Ultrasignup account.
Go to your registration history.
Cancel your entry.
That’s it—your spot will be released, and 50% credit will automatically roll to next year’s event.
Important: We cannot make exceptions, even for medical reasons or injuries.
Pre-Purchased Items
Gear like shirts, hats, pint glasses, or other add-ons must be picked up in person during race weekend check-in. Anything not collected will not be shipped.
Switching Distances
You can move up or down in distance before race day only.
If the distance you want is sold out and has a waitlist, you’ll need to join the waitlist—we can’t move you ahead of others.
Dropping down? No refunds.
Moving up? You’ll need to pay the difference before being added.
To switch, please email the race directors.
Race Cancellation
If we are forced to cancel an event and it cannot reasonably be rescheduled, there will be no refunds, no credits, no rollovers.
Other Notes
Personal checks are not accepted.
Reserved spots: Alpine Running holds a number of entries for sponsors and partners, outside of regular registration.
Pregnancy Deferral
We proudly offer a deferral for runners who are pregnant.
Eligibility: Any registered runner who is pregnant or becomes pregnant after registering.
Steps:
Submit a written Pregnancy Entry Deferral request to the Race Director before race day.
Provide confirmation of pregnancy or proof of birth from a physician, midwife, or other medical professional.
Your entry will be deferred for 1 year.
Dogs
Due to permit restrictions, dogs are not allowed to run with participants or be on the course.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Crew access is permitted only at Quarry Aid Station (mile 11.9). Crew attempting to reach other aid stations will result in runner disqualification.
Visitors are welcome at the start/finish line in Village Green Park, where they can enjoy the festive post-race atmosphere.
Volunteers
Every race has a secret sauce—and it’s not the aid station snacks. It’s the volunteers. Without their energy, smiles, and hard work, none of these events would happen.
Volunteering is a chance to give back to the trail running community, cheer on runners from a different perspective, and maybe even scope out what racing feels like before signing up yourself. Whatever brings you to the volunteer crew, we see you as partners—and we celebrate you like the trail heroes you are.
What You’ll Get as a Volunteer
At Alpine Running races, volunteers receive:
A quality race t-shirt (wear it with pride!)
A post-race meal and beverage—because good food tastes even better after trail magic
Race credit toward a future Alpine Running event
A Few Ground Rules
To keep things fair and sustainable, here’s how volunteer benefits work:
Credits expire within one year of being issued.
Credits don’t apply to volunteers associated with race sponsors.*
Credits and race-day perks are for folks who sign up ahead of time and fill their assigned role.
Credits can only be redeemed online during registration.
Alpine Running reserves the right to adjust credits, restrictions, or benefits if needed.
*If you’re part of a sponsor team, reach out to Alpine Running to learn more about your special perks!
Charity & Beneficiary
This race supports the Ridgeview High School Cross Country team, who also help run the aid stations.