Annual race blooms with runners

NEWPORT – Runners from all over the Northwest welcomed the crisp fall morning, and competed in the 14th annual Newport Autumn Bloom 5K/10K Run.

The Saturday race welcomed back runners from the Bloomsday Road Runners Club, as well as several local groups. The Newport High School cross country team, under the coaching of Mike Frederick, used the race as an additional meet on Saturday; with three of the runners earning gold and silver medals.

Male overall 10K winners were Steve Kirschke (first, 00:38’34), Walter Mueller (second, 00:42’54), and Andrew Moore (third, 00:43’09). Female overall 10K winners were Pepper Root (first, 00:46’53), Lindsay Lange (second, 00:47’13), and Alyanna Arzner (third, 00:51’13).

Male overall 5K winners were Heath Robertson (first, 00:19’35), Johnathan Brooks (second, 00:19’38), and Karl Herreshoff (third, 00:21’13). Female overall 5K winners were Anna Jones (first, 00:23’57), Aspen Gow (second, 00:27’06), Linnea Hickey (third, 00:28’54).

10K race winners by age division were: 10K female 15-29 years: first place – Lindsay Lange; second place – Cheryl Barnes; 10K female 30-39 years: first place – Pepper Root; second place – Alyanna Arzner; third place – Carly Dexter. 10K male 30-39 years: first place – Andrew Moore; second place – Scott Boekenoogen; third place – Travis Smith. 10K female 40-49 years: first place – Karen Smith; second place – Michelle Nedved; third place – Becca Carey. 10K male 40-49 years: first place – Jared Reber. 10K female 50-59 years: first place – Wen Yu; second place – Anny Case; third place – Coreen Duncan. 10K male 50-59 Year: first place – Steve Kirschke; second place – William Thompson. 10K female 60-69 years: first place – Karen Steffen. 10K male 60-69 years: first place – Walter Mueller; second place – George Duncan; third place – Rodney Riffel.

5K race winners by age division were: 5K male 14 years and under: first place – Lucas Crosswhite; second place – Steven Crane; third place – Brody Skiler. 5K female 14 years and under: first place – Abby Martin; second place – Eleanor Janz. 5K male 15-29 years: first place – Johnathan Brooks; second place – Shane Gamber; third place – John Spring. 5K female 15-29 years: first place – Anna Jones; second place – Aspen Gow; third place – Jonayla Bilbo. 5K male 30-39 years: first place – Heath Robertson; second place – Doug Jessup; third place – Chris Broz. 5K female 30-39 years: first place – Jess Skiles; second place – Lena Hansen, third place – Becca Teeters. 5K male 40-49 years: first place – Casey Brooks; second place – Jesse Janz. 5K female 40-49 years: first place – Karla Fleming; second place – Twyla Martin; third place – Tina Batsch. 5K male 50-59 years: first place – Karl Herreshoff; second place – Michael Trout; third place – Jonathan Wagar. 5K female 50-59 years: first place – Barb Hoffman; second place – Dawn Skiles; third place – Angela Thompson. 5K male 60-69 years: first place – David Werme; second place – Tommy Brown; third place – George Wallis. 5K female 60-69 years: first place – Linnea Hickey; second place – Laura Hanses; third place – Julie Brown. 5K male 70 years & older: first place – Roger Hickey; second place – Samuel Brooks; third place – James Schow. 5K female 70 years & older: first place – Pamela Belasco; second place – Patricia Trout; third place – Karine Brooks.

2022 Newport Autumn Bloom was dedicated to loyal community member and loyal race supporter, Danny Woelk, who passed away in 2018. The Autumn Bloom race committee created a special annual award for the person who, like Danny, truly embodies the Spirit of Autumn Bloom year after year. The Spirit of Autumn Bloom recognizes race loyalty, superior attitude, and competitive inspiration for all ages. Lori Stratton presented the 2022 award to Cindy Campbell of Newport (WA) who received the special plaque for her tireless efforts to make the race a success year after year. Her name will also be engraved on a perpetual plaque displayed at Newport Hospital and Health Services. With each year, the Foundation will recognize a new winner who, like Campbell, embodies the Spirit of Autumn Bloom.

Officers from the City of Newport Police Department and Fire District 4 provided route security for the 100+ participants as they raced through downtown Newport. Runners were encouraged along the route by veteran bike marshals (Glennis Stott and Sophia Stott) and more than 50 community volunteers including groups from House of the Lord Christian Academy, Pend Oreille County Library District, Newport High School students, and NHHS employees.

Information: NewportHospitalAndHealth.org