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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Rathdrum’s first Adventure Race first-rate

Adventure Race a big success thanks to organizers, volunteers – and the weather

Mary Jane Honegger Staff writer

Racers, sponsors and organizers agree the Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce Adventure Race was a huge success.

The weather cooperated, there were no injuries, and a multitude of volunteers ensured the event went smoothly. Mayor Vic Holmes said, “It was very successful for a first-time event – that’s all I’ve heard.”

The only thing organizers hadn’t accounted for, according to Parks and Recreation Director Lance Bridges, was the speed of the racers. “We can’t believe somebody got it done in just over 2 1/2 hours – it just blew us away,” he said. Don Hicks, of Cocolalla, crossed the finish line with a time of 2:41:25 – about the amount of time organizers thought it would take to complete the biking portion. And the rest of the field wasn’t far behind, with the majority of the 41 individual and 11 team racers coming in under the four-hour mark. “They just ate it up,” said Bridges, shaking his head in amazement.

The 19-mile bicycling portion of the three-sport race began on Main Street in Rathdrum. Within a mile riders found themselves on the rough terrain of Rathdrum Mountain, climbing more than 2,100 vertical feet. That was the toughest part of the race, according to first-time adventure sport participant Hilary Howard, of Athol. “By far,” she said, “the hardest part was the biking – those two three-mile climbs and that really steep climb right at the beginning, too.” Adding, after a moment’s thought, “But it was so beautiful, it was worth it.”

Howard said she was inspired to participate in the race by her friend and neighbor Brenda Christiansen. “She did Ironman before she had kids, and now she’s my neighbor. She’s been just a great friend both personally and athletically,” said Howard, explaining her affection for the woman who encouraged her to start training earlier this year after she made a decision to become healthier.

“I started running in February. I lost a cousin to pancreatic cancer, so I decided I need to get in shape and stay in shape,” said Howard, fielding a congratulatory hug from her sister. “I guess this was the capper,” she said with a huge smile. “I guess I’m in shape – at least it felt like it when I came across the finish line.”

Her friend, veteran racer Brenda Christiansen, was the top women’s finisher with a time of 3 hours, 28 minutes. Christiansen said she enjoyed the run, and was impressed with the first-time race, especially the volunteers. “I have done them (adventure races) before, but not for years. This was nice – the weather was perfect, and the volunteers were amazing. There were volunteers everywhere.”

Others agree it was volunteers from the community that helped the race go smoothly. The chamber came up with the idea, but couldn’t have made it happen without the aid of the city and help from other groups throughout the area. Members of Back Country ATV helped with the bicycle portion of the course. According to members Don and Laura Remus, they went over the course the evening before, setting out cones and markers. On race day, about 15 members were on hand to make sure bikers didn’t get lost.

Friends of Rathdrum Mountain helped at the first transition area on the shores of Upper Twin Lake. There, racers traded their bicycles for kayaks and set off on a 4 1/2 mile paddle across the water to Lower Twin. Both racers from Athol found their time on the water was enjoyable. “It was beautiful. It was glass – just perfect,” said Christiansen.

Members of Lakeland Sunrise Rotary manned the second transition site, where racers traded in their kayaks for the final 5-mile jog back to the cheering crowd at the finish line in Rathdrum’s City Park. Runner Stacie Lawler’s family was on hand to cheer for her as she crossed the line. Lawler and teammate Kellie Rhodes, from Athol, placed first in the women’s team division. Rhodes handled the bicycle and kayaking portions of the course, with Lawler running the final leg. Lawler, too, was enthusiastic about the race. “It was awesome – a lot of fun,” she said. “It was really well put together and the Rathdrum Chamber did a great job. For a first time, they did an excellent job.”

Christiansen commented on the bigger picture. “They did a great job of showcasing the Rathdrum area,” which was just what sponsors and organizers were hoping for.

Rondi Renaldo, representative for Panhandle State Bank, the major sponsor for the event, said, “It was just wonderful, so we’re pretty excited. We’ll continue it next year.”

And that seemed to be everyone’s opinion. First-time multisport racer Hilary Howard would like to return next year. “It was really hard, but I guess the best part was just coming across the finish line,” she said. “Yeah, I’d do it again.”

Contact correspondent Mary Jane Honegger by e-mail at Honegger2@verizon.net.