COEUR d’ALENE — For Steve Finley, the 40th annual Spring Dash was more than a race.

“It feels like home again,” he said as he and fellow runner Walter Mueller chatted after the 5-mile run.

Finley, of Post Falls, had run the Dash every year since 1992 before his streak ended when the coronavirus caused the race's cancellation in 2020 and 2021, and a virtual version was offered.

But this year, with COVID-19 all but gone in North Idaho and masks nowhere in sight, the Dash was back, and so was Finley, finishing in 37 minutes and four seconds, good for 21st overall.

“It felt good to be out there again,” he said.

Nearly 400 completed the Spring Dash on a sunny and cold morning. The out-and-back started at McEuen Park, and wound its way through the Sanders Beach neighborhood to Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive before runners turned back.

About 60 kids completed the Tot Trot, which was one lap around the park’s paved path for those 5 and under, about a third of a mile, and two laps for the 6-10 age group.

The biggest cheer of the day belonged to 1-year-old Ellie Missamore, who was smiling as she took her final steps, zig-zagging a bit, in the Tot Trot.

Sean Coyle won the men’s division in 27:24, while Tracy Melville led the women in 31:52.

The Spring Dash started in 1982 is a fundraiser for United Way of North Idaho.

“We're excited to be back in person,” said Mark Tucker, executive director of United Way of North Idaho, to the runners waiting for the starting gun to sound. “Thank you so much for being here.”

UWNI took over the organization of the race about 10 years ago, with proceeds helping people who live here.

“It's great to see so many people having a good time,” Tucker said. “I'm sure that I can take credit for the weather, not the cold, just the sun,” he added, laughing.

John Pierce of Coeur d’Alene has run about 20 Spring Dashes, including virtually the past two years.

He prefers the in-person model and loved being with people racing in the streets.

“Wonderful seeing all my friends, meeting new friends,” he said.

Pierce finished in 1:06:19 and felt pretty good.

“I’m a little out of shape, but that’s OK,” he said.

Nik Cannell of Post Falls pushed son Dean, 5, and daughter Marjorie, 6, in a stroller, and still finished in 37:46, good for 25th overall.

“The hills were a struggle, but we had fun on the downhills," he said. "We could bomb it on the downhills. I’m just chasing them, trying to keep up.”

Cannell has been pushing his kids through races for the past few years. And yes, he's noticed as they've gotten bigger, they've gotten heavier.

“When they were smaller, we were going a lot faster,” he said, smiling.

While Marjorie enjoyed it, Dean wasn’t so sure. When asked if he had fun, Dean frowned.

“No. It was cold.”

But he did concede the snacks afterward were good.