While our region was rapt (wrapped?) in chilly, snow-encrusted euphoria over the weekend, hundreds of runners had their holiday spirit abruptly thawed in downtown Kirkland on Sunday morning. The 6th annual "12Ks of Christmas" road races were canceled Sunday due to "ice-related safety conditions," leaving all those who had entered the 12K and 5K runs to wonder whether they should complain or just head for breakfast. If management had told the fleece-clad harriers that they weren't planning to refund their entry fees (which were as high as $40), we are guessing there would have been more complaining and less breakfasting yesterday morning. Forty bucks will get you a bitchin' side of bacon, after all. more ›