Host of local runners fare well at 6th annual Scenic Half Marathon
<p>A group of runners take off at the starting line of the 6th annual Scenic Half on Sunday at City Beach. (Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER)</p>
SANDPOINT — A vintage sunny fall Sandpoint day greeted more than 940 runners from around the Inland Northwest on Sunday for the running of the 6th Annual Scenic Half Marathon, which began and ended at City Beach.
Spokane’s Ryan Kipp won the 13.1 mile race in 1:18.09, posting the top time among the 538 finishers in the marquee event of the day. Spokane runner Jody Shapiro was the top female finisher, and second overall, in a time of 1:19.56.
Shaunavee Dick was the top female finisher from Sandpoint, clocking in at 1:32.24 for 10th place overall, and Taylor Graphenteen, of Ponderay, was the top local male finisher at 1:40.05, good enough for 33rd place overall.
The event, put on by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce to spur the economy in what is typically a slow season, drew runners from two countries, 14 states, including New York and Florida, and scores of friends and relatives. All of it adds up to a great weekend for local businesses.
“The main reason we do the race is to bring economic vitality to Sandpoint,” said chamber operations director Corrie Greene, noting money is also donated to a local charity. “We were able to donate money to Community Cancer Services.”
Eric Jeffres finished 34th, Alexander Shaw 43rd, Andy Groat 48th and Sean Donnelly 50th to round out the local finishers in the top 50.
More than 50 percent of the race participants are returning runners, which speaks volumes about both the venue, as it’s tough to beat the scenery of Lake Pend Oreille and City Beach, and the work of race organizers and volunteers, which number more than 120.
“We couldn’t do it without the volunteers,” said Greene. “That’s the first thing we hear from everyone who races; the encouragement of the volunteers helps make the race.”
Bonner General Health was the main race sponsor, and scores of other local people and businesses also contribute to make the event run smoothly.
In the 10K race, there were 153 finishers, led by Coeur d’Alene’s Dan Yovichin, who clocked a 42:03. Sandpoint Ashly Nagy was second in 42:27, and Tyler Hanson was the top local male finisher in 52:54.
In the 5K race, Seattle’s Nathaniel DeFelice clocked a 17:35 to beat 92 other finishers. The top local finishers were Trey Clark in fourth, and Amy Scott in 10th.
For complete results, and more information, visit “www.scenichalf.com.”