Another spectacular Kootenai River Run
June 26, 2012
This year's Kootenai River Run, held Saturday, was another unqualified success, and amazingly, even the weather cooperated!
By Meadow Braden and Paul Bonnell

Click here for full race results
As the clouds broke Saturday morning, June 23, approximately 300 runners lined up at the Boundary County Fairgrounds to race in the annual Kootenai River Run.

Runners and walkers alike enjoyed a break from the rain and the chance to complete either the 5K or 10K course. Race director Jim “Bird” Cadnum declared the run an “incident-free” success, with the largest turn-out since the early 1990s.

This year's winners were (l-r) Jacob Callister, Candi Huscroft, Micah Krmpotich and Melody Braden
Three of the overall winners were Bonners Ferry High School graduates and repeat victors. They also ran cross-country and track at BFHS. Melody Braden, a 2008 BFHS graduate and 2012 graduate of Boise State University, was once again the first 5K woman to cross the finish line in a time of 21:03. Jacob Callister, a 2012 BFHS graduate and school record holder in the 800 Meters, repeated his title as 5K men’s champion with a time of 18:41.

In the men’s 10K division Micah Krmpotich, also a 2012 BFHS graduate and 2011 10K winner, beat out the competition with an impressive time of 38:33.

The competition was fierce in the women’s 10K, but Candi Huscroft of Creston, B.C. fought her way to victory in a time of 43:10.

The Kootenai River Run is possible because of all the help provided by the community. This year’s run was sponsored by Northwest Academy, which was also incredibly well-represented in the event, comprising about a third of the entrants. Students, staff, and many visiting parents participated in the race.

In addition to the racing, the Kootenai River Run featured local music and entertainment by the Restorium Renegades, Of Wind and Folly, Pam Hittle’s Zumba, and Gabe Feller.

Musicians interested in performing at next year’s run can contact Paul Bonnell or Carolyn Testa.

You didn't even have to run to be a winner, as this trio discovered!
The Kootenai River Run Race Committee extends thanks to all the local businesses that donated door prizes and all the volunteers who gave freely of their time and energy.

Among many other supporters, the following made noteworthy contributions: Super 1 Foods provided fruit for the runners; Colleen and Andy Hotmer and Team Reliv supplied the run with radio advertising and Reliv product; Brian Strong and Sarah Smith of State Farm Insurance provided drinks; Far North Outfitters, Keep In Touch Massage, the Pearl Theater, Iron Mike’s Gym, the Cornman, and SportTown in Spokane supplied prizes for the drawings; Nonnie Stofiel and BFHS art teacher Josh Knaggs did the raku ceramics for the trophies; and Brenda “The Dorf” Woodward embroidered the unique race t-shirts.

The Kootenai River Run provides two scholarships to Bonners Ferry High School graduates who have participated in cross country and/or track as well as the Kootenai River Run. Due to greater participation in the run the past few years, the scholarship amount has doubled to $1,000 each.

This year’s recipients are Katy Hiatt, who ran in the 5K and who will be attending BYU Idaho in the fall, and Micah Krmpotich, who ran in and won the 10K and who will be attending the National Outdoor Leadership School in Patagonia.

Katy and Micah participated actively in cross country and track throughout their middle and high school years.