Local runners shine in Cd'A Marathon and Half Marathon

COEUR d’ALENE — Sandpoint sophomore distance runner Sam Levora clocked a 1:18.17 to finish fifth among more than 500 male runners on Sunday during the half marathon portion of the Coeur d’Alene Marathon, which featured more than 2,500 runners overall.

Levora ran much of the race with SHS cross country head coach and assistant track distance coach Matt Brass, who finished just behind Levora in 8th place, clocking a 1:19.08. The two had never attempted a half marathon before, and consistently cranked out six minute miles before increasing the pace in the final three miles.

“With a mile to go Sam took off and caught two more runners in front of us, it was incredible to watch,” said Brass, whose goal was to crack 1:20. “On the coaching side, I was extremely proud of Sam. He showed poise, maturity and strength that you don’t see in many adults, let alone a sophomore. He has many successful years of running ahead of him.”

Sandpoint runner Katherine Converse finished 6th out of more than 250 women in the marathon, clocking a respectable 3:28.56 in covering the 26.2 miles. Sandpoint’s Barbara Brown clocked a 4:12.42 to finish 67th, and Caitlin Sandell a 4:18.31 to finish 82nd to round out the local finishers.

Other local male finishers in the half marathon included Justin Jensen, who clocked a 1:33.43 to finish 34th and edge Matt Gillis by just nine seconds, Adam Dawson (86th), Jeremy James (193rd), Jeff Littlefield (299th) and Jeffrey Graves (380th).

Sagle’s Alisha Dawson clocked a 1:49.17 to finish 70th among more than 950 female racers in the half marathon, edging fellow Sagle runner Nicole Anderson (73rd) and Sandpoint’s Barbara Buchanan (79th) by less than one minute. Other local finishers in the 13.1 mile race included Peggy Gaudet (112th), Suzy James (139th), Casandra Ankney (237th), Rose Melgren (250th), Sarah Gates (369th), Brooke Williams (603rd) and Elaina Arriondo (604th).

For complete results visit www.cdamarathon.com.