Bend’s ‘I like Pie’ runners also liked the snow, too

This Thanksgiving, many Central Oregonians ate pie for breakfast, but not until they completed a 2-K run. Thursday was FootZone’s ninth annual “I Like Pie run at snowy Drake Park in Bend.

Due to the heavy snowfall the High Desert has experienced the last few days, the run was modified to a shorter course and become more of a walk/slosh.

“This is our first year coming out and helping, but I think its a start of a multi-year tradition,” said volunteer Gary Sanders.

With snow blanketing Drake Park beneath blue skies but cold temperatures, everyone had a unique approach to the shorter course. Some participants walked, some ran and some even skied. The race wasn’t timed, so everyone was able to go at their own pace without pressure.

“I did four laps, so 8K I think, about,” said runner Matthew Finney-Jordet.

The I Like Pie was started nine years ago, to get people exercising outdoors with the community. This year’s run had a smaller turnout due to the snow. Those who decided to brave the cold and participate in the run said they were happy they didn’t back out. They also mentioned that the weather was perfect and said it was a beautiful sunny day.

Sanders explained how, “The snow made for a wonderful winter like day, really kind of setting the scene for Thanksgiving.”

The event was also a fundraiser for NeighborImpact’s emergency food assistance program. Even with a smaller turnout, NeighborImpact received two truck loads full of donations.

“We still got a lot of food. Thousands of pounds of food, great donations for this great Thanksgiving fundraiser,” said Carly Sanders.

The event did not charge a registration or participation fee, but instead asked that participants bring food donations and pie.

With this, there was a plethora of pies and even a pie bake off. An apple pie, maple bourbon pecan pie, and berry pie took home the title for “best pie.”

Win or lose, many were proud of their pies. Finney-Jordet said, “I perfected the crust. The inside could use a little tweaking, but I nailed the crust and I’m happy about that.”

The race concluded with a pie feast, followed by sledding and playing in the snow. Participants stated I Like Pie Run was a great way to kick off their Thanksgiving holiday.