Runners will face fresh snow, cold weather on Saturday

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Last year’s Runnin O’ the Green had some of its best weather ever, according to founder and lead organizer Larry Knoblich.

“Last year we had an all-time high (temperature) and no snow on the hill,” he said.

Don’t expect a repeat this year. Expect fresh snow on the hill Saturday as the National Weather Service office in Bismarck issued a winter weather advisory from 10 p.m. Thursday to 7 p.m. Friday. Three to six inches of snow could fall in the Jamestown area by Friday night, according to the forecast. The precipitation was expected to start as freezing rain or sleet Thursday night, then switch to all snow Friday morning and continue into Friday evening.

The high temperature for Saturday is 14, with a low Friday night of minus 2.

Knoblich said cold temperatures and snow will impact how many people participate in the fundraiser.

“I can’t believe it (participation numbers) would be comparable to last year,” he said.

As of Thursday afternoon 115 people had registered for the event. That is down from 138 for last year, but better than 111 in 2011.

“It would be great to have the same number of people as this year,” Knoblich said.

With the weather expected to be cold, Knoblich is asking people to preregister at Cork & Barrel, Wildside Design and the Elks Club. The Elks Club is hosting a preregistration party from 4-8 p.m. Friday. “It’s simpler to sign up early,” he said. “It’s easier on our volunteers. It gets pretty hectic up there Saturday morning.”

“I’ve had people ask me if it’s okay if they sign up, but not have to go down the hill,” Knoblich said, chuckling. “I’m OK with it.”

Knoblich is looking forward to Saturday as it’s a chance for run participants to “spread the wealth” at businesses around town.

Kirby Weller, an employee of The Buff Lanes and Lounge, said Saturday is one of the busiest days of the year at the bowling alley and restaurant.

“We normally start seeing people coming in from the run around 2:30 p.m.,” he said. “Then the crowd grows and grows and we have a good heavy flow of people for the rest of the day.”

Weller is in his fourth year at the Buff and he is ready for Saturday.

“It’s a fun day of work,” he said.

Corner Bar Manager Michelle Hoggarth said they will start seeing people coming in before the run starts at 2 p.m.

“We have people in here at 11 a.m. waiting for the crowd to arrive,” she said. “Oh yeah, it’s our busiest day of the year.”

Hoggarth said they will have the band “Our Last Secret” performing from 8 p.m. to close Saturday as part of the day’s celebration.

“They had broken up but will perform one last time for us,” she said. “We’re really excited.”

Wonder Bar Owner Tim Gilbertson said he will have all hands on deck for the run.

“We have lots of stuff going on,” he said. “It is a big day for us.”

People looking for a place to stay have some luck as some hotels in Jamestown have rooms available both Friday and Saturday.

Quality Inn and Suites General Manager Matt Stockert said Saturday is booked, but he does have a few rooms available for Friday.

Comfort Inn is full Friday and Saturday according to Twyla Anderson, front desk associate.

Two Rivers Inn has rooms available Friday and Saturday.

“We’ve gotten a couple of cancelations for Friday due to the weather,” said Becky Schroeder, inn keeper. The inn has four single rooms and two triple rooms available for Saturday.

Days Inn also has rooms available both nights.

“We have 10 rooms available today (Thursday) for Saturday, and 22 left for Friday,” said Chetan Patil, the owner and manager.

Sun reporter Chris Olson can be reached at 701-952-8454 or by email at colson@jamestownsun.com

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