Bix runners might not know their names, but they certainly know the faces.

For more than a decade, sisters Joann Boysen and Truly Marten have been proud to patrol the corner of 13th and Brady - the top of the grueling Brady Street hill.

"It wouldn't be the same corner without you," a runner told the Bix volunteers.

For the 16th consecutive year, the corner remains status quo as the sisters set up cones and helped direct traffic for Thursday's Bix at 6 practice run and will be on hand for the Bix 7.

"I just love seeing the people, the babies in strollers, the dogs," said Boysen, moments after she and her sister high-fived a Bix regular who jogged past.

Boysen, a few months shy of achieving octogenarian status, said her highlight each year is running the Bix 7, although for the first time in 18 years she might sit out.

"I might give in and do it," said Boysen, who makes the 45-minute drive from Camanche, Iowa, to volunteer. "I'm starting to get the itch. Maybe I'll just walk this year."

Meanwhile, Marten, her younger sister, has been volunteering for the past 21 of the 35 Bix 7 races.

Each year, the two are thrilled to see familiar faces from past races.

"We know they're healthy ... for one more year anyway," said Marten of Davenport.

The two expect to keep this yearly tradition going as long as they can.

"God help us, we'll be out here a few more years on these feet," Marten said