2021 Kootenai River Run proves fun for all

BONNERS FERRY - More than 130 participants of all ages ran and walked in the Kootenai River Run on Saturday, July 24.It was part of this year’s Kootenai River Days celebration and kicked off Saturday’s events with exercise, music, community interaction and a coming together for a good cause.

Beginning and ending at the Boundary County Fairgrounds, the Kootenai River Run raises scholarship funds for local Bonners Ferry High School cross country and track athletes.

In addition to the two $1,000 scholarships provided by funds raised by the run, event sponsor Shelman Realty generously donated another $1,000 scholarship for a candidate who has made significant contributions to the community through volunteerism and leadership.

Emmaline Bateman and Erin Dineen received this year’s Kootenai River Run scholarships, while Morgan Swanson was awarded the Shelman Realty “Community-Minded” scholarship.

Hoping to teach and coach in the future, Bateman will continue her studies at North Idaho College in the fall, with an academic emphasis in education and kinesiology.

Dineen will be studying psychology and criminology at the University of Idaho and will perform with the Vandal marching band.

Swanson will attend Utah State University to major in kinesiology and exercise science.

All three scholarship recipients actively competed in cross country or track, maintained solid academic records and contributed to school and community during their high school careers.

This year’s race brought together former Badgers, newcomers to the community, and long-time residents and run participants.

In the women’s 5K, Ceci Roemer won with a time of 23:18. Roemer will be a junior at BFHS this coming year, competing in both cross country and track.

In the men’s 5K, Connor Alexander won with a time of 18:26. Alexander will be a senior this year, also competing in cross country and track.

In the women’s 10K, Abigail Gorton, who recently ran for BFHS and who currently competes for the Lewis-Clark State College Warriors, raced to first place with a time of 46:16.

Former Badger Alva Swanson won the men’s 10K with a time of 39:50.

Top-three finishers in all age groups earned ribbons.

Racers had the opportunity to form teams again this year, with the times of the first five participants from each time being totaled for a “lowest combined time wins” score. This year, the winners were the Iron Mike’s Gym team. They were standouts on the course in their Iron Mike’s Gym apparel!

As is usual for the KRR, prize drawings included a variety of gift cards, certificates and merchandise from many local businesses. The race committee is grateful for all the generous donations and discounts that made these prize drawings possible.

Also, from live music performed by several local musicians, to dancing by Azul Fire and Friends, to the “crowd favorite” Restorium Renegades, race participants were cheered along the course by a variety of entertainers.

Other custom touches to this year’s KRR included the handmade trophy plaques, designed and created by Tracy Truesdell, and t-shirts designed and embroidered by Brenda “The Dorf” Woodward.

As evidenced by the smiles and chatter at the start, along the course, and in the finish area, participants, volunteers and supporters alike enjoyed the Kootenai River Run and Kootenai River Days. It was a community event. One runner commented, “The race was so fun. Super old school. Love it. Tear [off] tags!”

KRR race committee members appreciate all the volunteers who assisted with this year’s event and look forward to next year’s Kootenai River Run.

Full results and several photographs from the day, which celebrate the participants, the race course, the town of Bonners Ferry and the Kootenai River, are available on the Kootenai River Run Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Organization/Kootenai-River-Run-209570075919483/ and the Kootenai River Run site: http://kootenairiverrun.com.