COEUR d'ALENE - Suzanne Endsley has a bit of a superstition when it comes to the Hangover Handicap on New Year's Day.

"If I come into this race and do really well, I'll have a really good year, racing wise," the Coeur d'Alene woman said.

Based on her performance in Sunday's five-mile run, she should kick some butt.

Endsley was the first woman, finishing in 33 minutes, 21 seconds.

She shook off a cold to seize the lead and extend it throughout the annual race that's she run almost every year since 1991.

"I felt great. I was like, 'I have power, I feel strong,'" she said.

"Not too shabby for a 46-year-old," Endsley added, laughing.

A record 575 men, women and children walked and ran the scenic out-and-back course that follows the Centennial Trail along Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive, and starts and ends behind Michael D's Eatery.

For many, it was a chance to begin the new year with a resolve for improving fitness. For others, a time to spend with friends and family.

Cloudy skies, 30 degrees, no wind and pavement free of snow and ice made for some of the best conditions for the Hangover Handicap, which marked its 35th running on Sunday.

Kody Kurtis of Coeur d'Alene led the men's field, winning in 28:33, followed by David Norris in 28:41 and Kjell Schioberg in 28:47.

Ashley Grosse was the second woman, completing the course in 34:16.

The race is a benefit for TESH, a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities learn to live independently.

Russ Doumas, TESH executive director, was pleased with the large turnout. "We had great support," he said.

Sue Stone of Coeur d'Alene and daughter Sarah were together for the Hangover, finishing in about 45 minutes.

"I ran it five minutes faster than I expected because I stayed with her," Sue Stone said.

"It was excellent except for the uphill on the last part," Sarah Stone said, smiling. "Everything else was great."

Margie Fieldler of Coeur d'Alene was joined by her 4-year-old Belgian sheepdog, Rico.

"I've done most of them," she said, shortly after completing the course in 56 minutes. "It's his fourth - he pulled me along."

Fieldler, who is moving to Lakeside, Mont., to accept a new job, said the Hangover Handicap is a wonderful way to start the year, followed by the Polar Bear Plunge.

"I love it. I make myself do it every year. Even when we live in Montana, we'll come back and do it," she said.