Ready, set go: annual Huck Run takes off

TROUT CREEK - Runners took to the starting line as the 36th annual Huckleberry Run 5K took place on Saturday, Aug. 9 in Trout Creek.

 It was a clear, cool morning for the run. The smoke from the Thompson River Complex did not move into the Trout Creek area until later in the day; so, there was some good, clean air for the runners.

 Not surprisingly, Jacob Naegeli was the overall winner. A Trout Creek native and Thompson Falls High School alum, Naegeli ran his faster Huck Run time in several years, breaking the tape in 16:28. He was followed by Christian Kafetznis in 17:15 and Josh Johnson in 17:39.

The top master (over 40) on the men’s side was Sam Felix of Plains.

For the women, it was a family affair. Naegeli’s sister Mariah led the women home in 20:42. Having been married just two weeks ago, this was her first win under her new married name of Mariah Earhart.  She was followed by Kathy Conlin in 22:22 and Lisa Gregory in 22:41.

 Conlin was the champion of the women’s master division.

 In all, 153 runner’s took part in the event. Runners came from Montana, Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Alaska, California and Texas. Many of the runners were in town with family and friends to take part in the Huckleberry Festival activities.

 Ages ranged from two-year old Clinton Weedemen to 82-year old Thomas Hoiland.

 The yearly race is conducted by the Clark Fork Valley Running Club.

 Race proceeds go to the Hot Springs, Plains and Thompson Falls high school cross country programs. All of these programs are partially or wholly self-funded; and, these dollars allow the schools to continue to provide these extra-curricular activities for their student-athletes.

In addition, the club provides scholarships to Sanders County student-athletes. In 2014,  $250 scholarships were awarded to Mariah Naegeli of Thompson Falls and Amanda Woods of Hot Springs.