Sunday, August 09, 2026
55.0°F

A 'Spring' in their step

JACK DEWITT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 2 weeks AGO
by JACK DEWITT
Staff Writer | April 26, 2026 1:07 AM

COEUR d’ALENE— About 1,000 runners and walkers participated in the annual Spring Dash under sunny skies Saturday. 

“The area is so beautiful, we loved running by the beach,” said Meghan McLeod, who completed the 5K in 40 minutes and 40 seconds.

“It is awesome and it is for a great cause. It's fun being out here with everyone,” said Matthew Roberts, who won the 5K in 17:27.

The fun run is a fundraiser for United Way of North Idaho. It also included a Tot Trot, 10K and half marathon. Each race started and ended at McEuen Park. The longer races wound their way through the Sanders Beach neighborhood and along the North Idaho Centennial Trial next to a calm Lake Coeur d'Alene.

For the men, Zachary Kness won the 10K race in 38:38, while Ethan Hocket won the half marathon in 1:21:20.

For the women, Jillian Jackson won the 5K in 20:19. Hayley Roth won the 10K in 44:38, while Amanda Teal won the half marathon in 1:38:09

This year’s race supports the North Idaho ALICE population, which United Way defines as asset limited, income constrained and employed population. 

“Nearly half of the households in North Idaho are part of the ALICE population. They are the backbone of our community, yet many are just one unexpected expense away from falling behind,” said Kristine Miller, president-elect of United Way.

United Way has awarded over $680,000 in community care funds since 2020.

Every finisher received a medal. The Spring Dash was first held in 1982 and the 10K race is a second-seed qualifier for Bloomsday.

Steve Kirschke returned to run the Dash once again and finished the 5K in 19:54, second in the 50-59 age group.

“I’ve been running since I was 6 years old. I’ve run this race for about 30 years. I like getting together with people and meeting friends while running,” he said.

Race results: nsplit.com/results/



    Spring Dash participants run beside the Coeur d'Alene Resort.
 
 


    Children take off running after hearing the starting horn for the Spring Dash Tot Trot.
 
 
    Kendra Griffitts and her children Rebel and Bo smile after finishing their races.
 
 
    Colby Litzenberger and holds his son Boden alongside fellow racer Matthew Roberts.
 
 


    A runner makes the turn from 19th Street to Mullan Avenue on Saturday during the Spring Dash in Coeur d'Alene.
 
 
    Legs of Spring Dash runners cast shadows during the race on Saturday.
 
 
    Spring Dasg runners past flowers in the Sanders Beach neighborhood on Saturday.
 
 


ARTICLES BY JACK DEWITT

Athol Daze showcases pride, history, family
August 8, 2026 3:05 p.m.

Athol Daze showcases pride, history, family

The hazy pink sunrise brought out a big crowd at the annual Athol Daze Parade on Saturday morning as well over 300 Athol residents lined E Highway 45 to watch parade floats, cars and horses.

Post Falls council OKs housing project
August 6, 2026 1:08 a.m.

Post Falls council OKs housing project

Some residents voice concerns design may not be compatible with neighborhood

Dozens of concerned neighbors, families and friends filled the city council chamber on Tuesday as city council met for a public hearing in regard to a special use permit for a 2.6-acre lot located near the Cherry Addition neighborhood.

National Commander highlights prevention and charity in visit to Post Falls
August 6, 2026 1:06 a.m.

National Commander highlights prevention and charity in visit to Post Falls

National Commander highlights prevention and charity in visit to Post Falls

POST FALLS– American Legion Post 143 prepared some of Idaho’s best potatoes on Monday morning for a brunch with the American Legion National Commander Dan Wiley. About 70 people attended the breakfast as Post 143 welcomed the national commander to their facility for the first time in several years during his current tour across the country.