Kootenai River Run Gains In Popularity

Runners and race organizers enjoyed perfect weather for Saturday's Kootenai River Run. A total of 169 runners completed one of the two distances. This was an increase of 52 participants over last year's race. As usual, the 5K was the most popular event, drawing 130 participants. With 20 entries, the most highly represented age class was female, 50 to 59 in the 5K. Next was the 16 to 19 male age class in the 5K with 19 entries. Many young families entered with the parents running or walking with their children. The run is a low-key, family oriented affair that appeals to people of all ages and that celebrates the physical beauty and neighborliness of Boundary County.

Runners traveled from various locations throughout the Inland Northwest. Linda Vevera and Cora Hoye returned from the Flathead Valley. Jim Lerdal came all the way from Houston to take first place in his age class. Northwest Academy and Boulder Creek Academy contributed numerous student and staff runners. Bonners Ferry High School runners were well represented.

In the 10K competition, Angie Brass took first place in the female division with a time of 43:06. Angie is a cross-country coach at Sandpoint High School.

Homegrown running prodigy Forest Braden easily won the male division with a 32:28 time. His time was so impressive that it prompted a member of the crowd at the awards ceremony to call out "Did you catch a cab?"

Rimi Kim of Coeur d'Alene was the first place female finisher in the 5K with a 21:00 time. Local high school runner Jimmy Matthews took first in the male division with a time of 19:03.

Proceeds from the run are used to provide two $500 scholarships to recent local high school graduates. This year's scholarships went to Molly McClintock and Riley Boorman. Riley ran the 5K and Molly helped organize the event. Their scholarships were presented during the awards ceremony.

The 2010 Kootenai River Run will be held in mid to late June. We hope to see all of this year's participants back next year.