In brief: Ultra runner sets Appalachian Trial speed record
Ultramarathoner Scott Jurek, 41, finished the Appalachian Trail Sunday in a supported speed-record time of 46 days, 8 hours and 8 minutes.
That’s three hours faster on the 2,189-mile route than the record set by Jennifer Pharr Davis in 2011 when she was 28 years old.
Jurek averaged about 50 miles a day on the historic trail that crosses 14 states from Georgia to Maine.
Jurek is well-known in long-distance running, having seven consecutive wins from 1999 to 2005 in California’s prestigious Western States Endurance Run.
He also holds two titles from the Badwater Ultramarathon, a 135-mile course that markets itself as “the world’s toughest footrace.”
The Appalachian Trail record isn’t his first. In 2010, Jurek set the U.S. record for most miles run in 24 hours – 165.7 miles.
He has also won the 153 mile Spartathlon, according to his website.
A Seattle man set the Pacific Crest Trail supported speed record last year.
Water Sports tour in Sandpoint
Watersports participants from novice to professional are coming from Washington and Idaho to compete in the Inland Northwest Tour Amateur Water Sports Competition July 31-Aug. 2 at Willow Bay Resort in Sandpoint.
Wakeboard, wakesurf, kneeboard and slalom competitions will be featured.
The event is open to the public. Viewing is free of charge.
INT events are family-friendly competitions to improve ability levels, learn new tricks and meet new friends, promoters say.
This event is the third stop on the INT Pacific Northwest tour, which will continue at the Inland Northwest Championships Aug. 22-23 at Spokane’s Long Lake (Lake Spokane). The season will conclude at the Western Region Invitational Sept. 19-20 at Hagg Lake, Oregon.
Preregister: intleague.com/idaho.
Email for info and camping reservations at Willow Bay Resort, inlandnorthwestint@gmail.com.
Try watersports at CdA
North Idaho College is offering a free opportunity to try out paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and catamarans at Cecil’s Summer Splash tonight, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., at the campus beach on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
The event is open to the public, but especially attractive to current or prospective NIC students, since there will be drawings for $5,000 in scholarships at 6:30 p.m.
Games with prizes are planned throughout the event. The first 300 guests will be treated to a free barbecue.
Info: (208) 769-5958.