Runners clear obstacles at Naegeli Ranch Run

THOMPSON FALLS – Runners had to compete with a variety of obstacles at the Naegeli Ranch Run, jumping over hay bales and splashing through a creek to get to the finish line.

The fifth annual run did not disappoint, as runners got their workout in. The run added a fun element to it, allowing participants to take part in either a two-mile run or a five-mile run.

Organizer Sarah Naegeli said the weather could not have been better for the event.

“It was a beautiful morning,” Naegeli said. “It went very well.”

The race was down in numbers after a group home opted out of the event, leaving approximately ten kids out of the race. The competition was still stiff regardless of the decrease in numbers.

The Naegeli family led for the win in both races, with Derek Naegeli finishing the two-mile race with a time of 14:33 for first place. Nathan Burwig finished in second with 15:03 and Max Birkholt came in third with a time of 15:12.

Almost 34 minutes separated D. Naegeli from the last person in the race, who came in with a time of 48:15.

In the five-mile run, Logan Naegeli stepped up and took first place with a time of 37:27. Xavier Broderick finished second in 38.49 and Dan MacDonald followed him in third with a time of 39.15.

The last person clocked in with a time of 2:11.44, coming in 22nd place.

Overall 34 runners took to the marked routes, with twelve competing in the two-mile run.

Awards were handed out to different age groups in the two-mile run.

In the male category, Nathan Schraeder and Jonnyray Wilson took first and second place respectively in the 10 and under age group. Nathan Burwig, Max Burkholt and Ryan Schraeder took the top three spots in the 11-15 age group, while Robert Adamo took first in the 16-19 age group. Derek Naegeli took first in the 20-29 age group, while Chris Purdy took second.

In the female division, Saria Scherzer took first in the 10 and under age group, while Felicia Earhart took first in the 16-19 group. Carol Searl finished first in the 50-59 age group, with Sarah Naegeli following in second place.

Runners Edge, a running store based out of Missoula, sponsored the race, providing both the blow-up finish line and prizes for the overall winners.

Sarah Naegeli said it was great to get that kind of support from as far away as Missoula.

“They help sponsor races even up in Sanders County, it’s great,” Naegeli said.

The prizes consisted of gift certificates to their store as well as other items off of their shelves.

The next run in Sanders County is scheduled for the Huckleberry Festival. According to Naegeli, the Huckleberry Run is the biggest one in the county. The run starts at 8:30 a.m. and is slated for Saturday, August 9.