Kootenai River Run brings the fun, raises funds for scholarships
Photos by Mandi Bateman The 2017 Kootenai River Run starts on Saturday. Jesse Gondek, pictured in the lead, won the men’s 10K.
Devotion Tribal Belly Dancers wave and entertain the runners during the Kootenai River Run.
Overall winners, from left: Matthais Merrill, men’s 5K; Taylor Merrill, women’s 5K; Jesse Gondek, men’s 10K; and Darce Claus, women’s 10K.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Matthais Merrill, Winner of the Men’s 5K, is first to cross back over the bridge.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Darce Claus, about to cross the finish line to win the women’s 10K with a time of 47:41.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Taylor Merrill, who won the Women’s 5K, followed closely by Sam Gorton, who took second place in the men’s 16-19 Age Group.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Paul Bonnell posts eagerly awaited race times.
Photo by Mandi Bateman A very excited competitor, Beau Maddalone, rushes to receive his door prize.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Participants relax, drink, eat fresh fruit, and share stories after the Kootenai River Run.
BONNERS FERRY — “Running is such a great activity because you just need a good pair of shoes... and go,” said Karen Pflasterer. She and her husband, John Pflasterer, along with their dog, Cooper, completed the 5K 2017 Kootenai River Run on Saturday, July 1.
The Kootenai River Run is sanctioned by USA Track and Field and is sponsored by Northwest Academy, Boulder Creek Academy, and Idaho Forest Group. It consists of a 5K (3.1 miles) and 10K (6.2 miles) race, divided up in men’s and women’s age categories, beginning and ending at the Boundary County Fairgrounds. A new team division was added this year.
“The day had a nice feel to it,” said Co-director Paul Bonnell. “I like the team element. We will probably do it again next year.”
Proving that it just takes spirit to finish, John Pflasterer completed the race with a brace on his leg, having suffered a stress fracture during a half marathon he had competed in, while his wife had jaw surgery the previous day. Cooper the dog may have been a little disappointed in the pace they set, as he normally accompanies them during their races, but to compete at all, under the circumstances, was an inspiration for many.
“This is our second time being up here,” said Karen Pflasterer, “We have always liked it because it’s very small and quaint, a lot of friendly people.”
The Pflasterers came all the way from Coeur d’Alene, along with friends, 12-year-old Levi Bird and his older brother Jack Bird. This year 158 people completed the two races, coming from all over to enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery that Bonners Ferry had to offer.
The Kootenai River Run has a long tradition in Bonners Ferry, starting in the late 1970s. It is uncertain whether or not this is the 40th anniversary of the race. It used to be part of the Kootenai River Days, and talk this year hints to the possibility of it rejoining again.
The race funds scholarships for graduating high school seniors. “We usually give out two $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors that belong to track and/or cross country,” said Kootenai River Run co-director Jim Cadnum, stressing that the requirements also include the student’s grades. Previous participation in the race is a plus.
The day was perfect for the race with blue skies and a crisp morning. By the end of the race, it had turned quite warm, but race finishers were greeted by the dappled shade of the ancient trees of the Boundary County Fairgrounds, a table of coolers filled with cold water and drinks, and a refreshing spread of fresh fruit, largely donated by Super 1 Foods.
This year, participants were encouraged along their run by several groups, including the Devotion Tribal Belly Dancers, and the musical duo of Veronika Ward and Donna June Smith. The residents of the Boundary County Community Restorium cooled the runners down as they passed.
“It was great to get out and see everybody in the community and it’s a fun event. The best part was the residents at the restorium shooting us with water guns,” said Maria Gary, who completed the 5K for the second time.
The hometown feel of this race, as opposed to others which tend to attract mainly dedicated racers, drew a wide variety of participants. Many people turned out to walk the race, just enjoying the day and the community.
“I think that it’s a good community event and gets people out who might not normally be exercising. People come out and do a little 5K, or just walk. A lot of families come out and get together and do stuff like that,” said committee member, and long time race participant, Tyler Warner.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said first-time Kootenai River Run participant, Julie Holly. “The course is fun. I don’t keep track of my time. I’m not a fast runner, but I run because it keeps me healthy. You get out there and you meet new people. You get to be inspired by the people ahead of you, and the friends that are willing to come back and run you in to the finish line.”
The sense of accomplishment was obvious as people mingled after the race. Seirian Wilder posted to her Facebook page, “I did my first ever run/walk (mainly just walking) for Kootenai River Run 10K. I’m tired as all get out, but I did finish!!!”
There were dedicated runners as well, including James Magnusen, from Minnesota. He was vacationing in the area, and enjoys participating in races when he is somewhere new. He placed first in the men’s 20-29 age category in the 5K race with a time of 23:12.
First time Kootenai River Runner, Matthais Merrill, set the fastest overall time for the 5K with a time of 18:07. At 14 years old, Merrill is a serious competitor. “Just last week I did the Libby Logger. I did slightly better pace. It was a lot of fun but I also do a lot of triathlons, so I did one and got eighth overall not to long ago,” said Merrell. “I train pretty much every day and I do biking, running, and swimming. I really enjoy races, they are a lot of fun.”
Merrill’s 18 year old sister, Taylor Merrill, won the overall women’s 5K category with a time of 20:30. “It’s challenging,” she said about the Kootenai River Run. “There is lots of hills, so that was fun. The view was awesome and I liked going down hill on the way back.”
Darce Claus won the women’s 10K with a time of 47:41, and Jesse Gondek won the men’s 10K with a time of 40:41. “I run because it keeps me focused in life and forces you to have to be more healthy and take care of your body,” said Gondek. ”It also can take you places you couldn’t go in a car.”
The men and women winners in each race received handcrafted wood trophies made by Bill Dettelbach. “He is a great woodworker,” said Cadnum. “They are very unique trophies.”
Continuing with the hometown feel, Brenda Woodward created, designed, and embroidered the T-shirts, with Far North Logo Shop doing the silkscreening. Door prize contributors included Far North Outfitters, Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill, Simple Simon’s Pizza, Sport Town in Spokane and more, delighting winners of all ages.
First- through third-place ribbons were handed out to each category. Although the excitement was obvious as some cartwheeled in to receive their prize, the sense of achievement for just having completed the race, appeared to me more than enough for many of the participants. The day ended in sunshine and smiles.
For a complete results and times: http://kootenairiverrun.com