by JACK DEWITT
About 1,000 runners and walkers participated in the annual Spring Dash under sunny skies Saturday.
“The area is so beautiful, we loved running by the beach,” said Meghan McLeod, who completed the 5K in 40 minutes and 40 seconds.
“It is awesome and it is for a great cause. It's fun being out here with everyone,” said Matthew Roberts, who won the 5K in 17:27.
The fun run is a fundraiser for United Way of North Idaho. It also included a Tot Trot, 10K and half marathon. Each race started and ended at McEuen Park. The longer races wound their way through the Sanders Beach neighborhood and along the North Idaho Centennial Trial next to a calm Lake Coeur d'Alene.
For the men, Zachary Kness won the 10K race in 38:38, while Ethan Hocket won the half marathon in 1:21:20.
For the women, Jillian Jackson won the 5K in 20:19. Hayley Roth won the 10K in 44:38, while Amanda Teal won the half marathon in 1:38:09
This year’s race supports the North Idaho ALICE population, which United Way defines as asset limited, income constrained and employed population.
“Nearly half of the households in North Idaho are part of the ALICE population. They are the backbone of our community, yet many are just one unexpected expense away from falling behind,” said Kristine Miller, president-elect of United Way.
United Way has awarded over $680,000 in community care funds since 2020.
Every finisher received a medal. The Spring Dash was first held in 1982 and the 10K race is a second-seed qualifier for Bloomsday.
Steve Kirschke returned to run the Dash once again and finished the 5K in 19:54, second in the 50-59 age group.
“I’ve been running since I was 6 years old. I’ve run this race for about 30 years. I like getting together with people and meeting friends while running,” he said.
Race results: nsplit.com/results/