Back In It For The Long Run Spokane Police Officer Revives Local Marathon

Incorporating portions of popular Spokane runs past and present, Spokane Police Sgt. Dean Sprague is finishing what was started years ago.

He is reviving the long-defunct Spokane Marathon.

On a new course and in conjunction with a half-marathon and 10-kilometer run for those so inclined, the Spokane Marathon will be renewed Oct. 19.

“The course is USATF certified and is a Boston qualifier, if you have the legs for it,” said Sprague.

The Spokane Marathon, he concedes, will challenge even the most veteran distance runners.

“It’s a lot hillier than the average marathon course,” said Sprague. “It’s a lot prettier, but it’s a killer. You’ll run for scenery, not time.”

Sprague got the ball rolling, he said, because Spokane is one of few runners’ towns without a marathon.

“What amazed me was how many marathoners there are here over ages 50 and 60,” he said. “There’s a ton out there. They all got fit in the ‘70s when running took off and they kept running. I know guys who are coming up on their 200th marathon.”

The completion of the Centennial Trail west of Spokane gave runners a new place to train. It also provided impetus to bring back the race after more than a decade’s absence.

“The first marathon I ever ran was Spokane in 1982,” said Sprague. “Because of limited geography, it finally ended up dying for lack of interest or whatever.”

The Spokane Police Department’s neighborhood resource officer conducted a tour of the course that should provide plenty of familiar and interesting geography for entrants.

“There won’t be a Spokane runner surprised by the course,” he said.

It starts innocently enough on Spokane Falls Boulevard in front of the Carrousel in Riverfront Park. Runners will work their way through downtown, west on Riverside to Maple and then chug up Sunset Hill.

Runners of the two longer races go right on Government Way to the Fort Wright military cemetery, part company and eventually pass each other and converge during a loop through the Centennial Trail and Fort Wright campus.

Half-marathoners come back on Government Way, cross T.J. Meenach Bridge and head back toward Spokane beginning with a run up Pettit Drive (Doomsday Hill, to you Bloomsday runners).

Marathoners continue north through the park, come out at Seven Mile Road and run back to town on Aubrey White Parkway inspired by the spectacular scenery of the Spokane River and its landmarks, go up Pettit Drive and along Summit Boulevard to Ohio.

“It ends up with a breathtaking view of the city for those with breath to take,” said Sprague.

Runners complete the course by crossing Monroe, winding by the Arena, on to the Washington Street couplet and back to Riverfront Park.

The 10K competitors leave the marathon and half-marathon runners at Inland Empire Way and go into Highbridge Park. Runners cross Latah Creek into Peaceful Valley, coming up the Main hill to Monroe and on to Washington.

Sprague said some of the finishers of all three races will complete their runs together.

In his police uniform, Sprague looms an imposing figure. At 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, give or take a few, he appears more suited for other sports than for running marathons.

But marathoning is what he loves.

It was in the 1970s when Sprague became enamored with running. He had competed in cross country as a high school student at Northwest Christian and Rogers. He began road racing 20 years ago and has completed a dozen marathons.

“I’ve never been fast,” he said.

With a choice of either attending college at his mother’s insistence or “getting into serious trouble,” Sprague entered law enforcement and has been with the police department 13 years.

Sprague, who has coordinated other community runs, said he’s hoping for 1,200 entrants in the three races.

“I’ve been wanting a marathon for Spokane for years,” he said. “Completion of the Centennial Trail and a huge running population is making it possible.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo Map of Spokane Marathon courses.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: FAST FACTS The Spokane Marathon, which benefits the volunteer entities of the Spokane Police Department and Spokane C.O.P.S., will begin at 7 a.m. Oct. 19, followed at half-hour intervals by the starts of the other two runs. Entry fees are $25 for the marathon, $15 for the half-marathon and $10 for the 10K run. Finishers will receive a longsleeve sweatshirt, long-sleeve shirt or regular T-shirt depending upon the length of their race. All marathon finishers receive a commemorative medal.