Gearing up for 35th annual Koote

Gearing up for 35th annual Kootenai River Run

April 18, 2011

Long-time runner and one of the founders of the Kootenai River Run, Jack Douglas, is putting out a call for volunteers to help make the 35th annual running of the event yet another success.

The 2011 Kootenai River Run begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 11, at the Boundary County Fairgrounds.

The run began in 1977, and Douglas helped organize that very first one at the height of the 1970s running boom.

"For runners in this community and others who are concerned about their health, this race has always been a source of pride," he said. "For me, having run in numerous states around our country as well as in New Zealand years ago, this is obviously one of the most scenic courses I have ever seen ... comparable to any, really. I think we should be proud of that, and proud that we've kept it strong all these years."

Douglas credited another long-time runner and organizer, Jim Cadnum, for keeping the Kootenai River Run going strong all these years.

In an era when running is slowly starting to boom again, and when many Pacific Northwest communities have long ago lost their community runs to apathy, Boundary County offers the premier run in the region.

One of the things that keeps our local race strong, he said, is the willingness of volunteers to give an hour or two of their time on race day.

This year, at least ten people are needed to stand at intersections along the race courses to help runners stay on track and avoid wrong turns as well as to help at the finish and starting line.

"These aren't hard jobs," Douglas said, "but they are necessary to the race and to the safety of the people in the event."

Those willing to pitch in can call him at home, (208) 267-8761, or at work, (208) 267-7545.

Those who'd rather run, walk or push a stroller in either the 5K or 10K events can visit www.boundarycountyid.org/krrun for details and a printable registration form. Race forms are also available at Far North Outfitters, Mugsy's, Bonners Ferry Safeway, City Hall, The Race Rag and in sporting goods and fitness centers in Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene and Spokane.