Snowshoe racing in paradise

The 10th anniversary of the Western Pleasure Snowshoe Roundup took place Feb. 11 at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch in Sandpoint.

The not-for-profit event included a 5k, 10k, 1-mile fun run and an untimed short race for youngsters. Staffed by volunteers, the race exists as an opportunity to promote snowshoeing, snowshoe racing and quality time in our great outdoors.

Participants were greeted with near-perfect weather of sunshine and temperatures in the mid-30s while working their way through the hills, meadows, forest and open areas of the ranch.

Eleven racers toed the line for the challenging and scenic 10k.

In the men’s division, 51-year-old Dan Yovichin of Coeur d'Alene won first place with a time of 41:29 followed by Brian Schur, 49, from Kennewick, Wash., in 41:45 and Landon Otis, 35, from Sandpoint with a time of 52:32 for third.

In the women’s division Kyla Berendzen, 32, from Wardner finished in first place with a time of 52:33, followed by Erika Day, 31, of Sandpoint in 59:13 and third place went to Myla Houlihan, 59, of Sandpoint in 1:02:10.

The 5k consisted of 24 competitors.

Scott Allen, 28, of Liberty Lake took first place in a time of 23:49, followed by Rob Lang, 66, from Creston, B.C., with a time of 26:41 for second and Matt Allen, 57 of Liberty Lake finished third in 30:28.

In the women’s division, Jennifer Comfort, 49, from Pasco, Wash., placed first in 27:41, Missi Balison, 51, of Sandpoint took second in 33:37 and Jennifer Cicero, 49, of Coeur d'Alene came in third with a time of 41:44.

At 80, Carol Wright of Sandpoint was the most-senior competitor and 10-year-old Gabe Otis was the youngest. Wright and Otis both competed in the 5k.

If you're interested in participating in future events, like the Western Pleasure Snowshoe Roundup, you can call or text race director Dennis Aslett at 208-946-1455 or email him at runwild65@gmail.com.

For information on the event, head to the "Western Pleasure Snowshoe Roundup" Facebook page.