COEUR d’ALENE — Goodwill to all was on the mind of several people in the 47th annual New Year's Day fun run to benefit Tesh, Inc.

“Peace in the world would be great,” said Jan Severtson, when asked about her hopes for 2024.

“Peace in the world,” said her friend Nancy Lewis, as they walked on the North Idaho Centennial Trail Saturday morning.

“Peace,” added Darlene Carlton, rounding out the trio of early starters.

About 150 adults and kids participated in the event that began and ended at Atlas Waterfront Park.

The 3-mile, out-and-back course took runners and walkers past Riverstone Park and turned around at the Harbor Center. 

Proceeds went to Tesh, a nonprofit that helps youth and adults with disabilities develop skills that will help them learn to live independently.

Mike Paul of Coeur d’Alene ran with 8-year-old nephew Jonathan Paul.

“We love it, we feel awesome,” Mike Paul said as they ambled along on the 35-degree, cloudy day.

They plan to enjoy 2024 with good eating habits and exercise.

“We’re just talking about eating more broccoli and staying healthy,” Mike Paul said.

Jonathan said he wants to skate this year.

“I’m trying to start ice hockey,” he said, as he continued running.

Karen Grace of Hayden wore a string of Christmas lights around her neck as she walked the course. 

She recalled the early days of the race when it was 5 miles, known as the Hangover Handicap, and followed Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive

Conditions were often tougher than the mild weather on Monday.

“We actually did it in boots because there was so much ice and snow,” she said.

Grace said the fun run was “the perfect way to start the new year.” 

Her hopes for 2024, she said, were “probably just peace. People getting along, people being kind to one another. Just relax and enjoy life.”

Buck and Joy Fitzpatrick of Coeur d’Alene walked the 3 miles together.

The retired teachers have participated in the event a few times and decided to come back this year as Joy is recovering from a stroke.

They kept up a good pace, smiling as they went.

Joy Fitzpatrick offered one word for her hopes in 2024: “Peace.”

    Buck and Joy Fitzpatrick of Coeur d’Alene walk on the North Idaho Centennial Trail during the 47th annual New Year's Day fun run to benefit Tesh.
  

    Kim Maksen walks with Bailey in the 47th annual New Year's Day fun run to benefit Tesh.
  

    Runners come and go on the North Idaho Centennial Trail next to the Spokane River in the 47th annual New Year's Day fun run to benefit Tesh on Monday.
  

    Karen Grace of Hayden smiles as she participates in the 47th annual New Year's Day fun run to benefit Tesh.
  

    Runners and walkers make their way along the North Idaho Centennial Trail during the 47th annual New Year's Day fun run to benefit Tesh.