Participants race to the finish in the Go Green Run

The fourth annual Go Green Run was held in conjunction with the first farmers market of the year in Thompson Falls on Saturday. Approximately 50 runners participated in the event which started on the banks of the Clark Fork River and wound its way across the bridge over to Island Park and back.

Organized by 4-H to coincide with the farmers market and coordinated by Sarah Naegeli, the event included two distances, a one-mile race and a 5 kilometer race. The Go Green Run raises money for the 4-H ambassadors who are the youth representatives for 4-H programs. The ambassadors this year are Abbie Croft, Emily Snell and Anna Snell.

Runners took their marks at the starting line around 9 a.m. Children, adults and even parents with their kids in off-road strollers took off at the signal and raced down the street parallel to the riverbank. They turned the corner toward the High Bridge and made their way across where the bulk of the route wound around Island Park.

The halfway mark for the one mile race was just across the bridge so some participants did an about face and headed back toward the original starting line, now the finish line. Others continued on for the 5K portion before completing the loop and running back across the bridge toward the finish line.

Encouraging cheers could be heard from those that had already finished as the bulk of the pack headed toward the finish line. Zack Elkins looked slightly winded as he crossed the finish line and promptly sat down panting heavily.

“I’m beat. I did pretty good. That was probably the fastest three miles I have ever run,” said Elkins.

Another runner Caleb Hamner seemed pleased with his performance. Hamner came in third in the 5K.

“I felt really good. I think I did awesome in the race but I’m spent now,” said Hamner.

Awards consisting of gift certificates redeemable at the farmers market were awarded to the top finishers of the race.