Northwest Notes May 5, 2026

'Unlocking Athletic Potential' presentation scheduled for Wednesday at Coeur d'Alene High

A presentation for athletes, parents and coaches called "Unlocking Athletic Potential" is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Coeur d'Alene High School.

Topics include "Fuel Your Performance," "Optimize Recovery and Strength" and "Build Winning Daily Habits."

Pre-registration is recommended.

For registration info, contact Shawn Amos, [email protected]

Buchanan, Parker run to historic Bloomsday victories 

SPOKANE — Reid Buchanan of Missouri, in his fifth Bloomsday race, became the first American man to win Bloomsday since 1986 with a time of 34 minutes, 30 seconds to hold off Gonzaga alum James Mwaura for the victory in the men’s elite race Sunday at the 50th Lilac Bloomsday Run in downtown Spokane, a day which included a thinner international field of racers. 

"This is the best I have felt on the course and I think that just comes from years of getting to know the course. I can retire in peace now,” said Buchanan, who ran for the University of Portland. “If there was a deal to be made and someone said you can only win one more race, I would want it to be this one." 

In the women's elite race, Kassie Parker of Iowa, in just her second Bloomsday start, became the first American woman since 2002 (Colleen de Reuck became an American citizen in 2000) to win Bloomsday, finishing in 39:21.  

"My plan was to put myself in the front of the pack,” Parker said. “I remember how the race went out last year, so if I wanted to be in front, I was going to have to run like the leaders did last year, so I took that approach. I have been waiting for a win this big for a long time, so it feels really good." 

In the men’s elite wheelchair race, Valera "Jacob" Allen, 25, a University of Arizona graduate, breezed through the finish line with a time of 28:52 to halt Hermin Garic's chances of a three-peat. 

There was a repeat champion in the women's wheelchair race as Hannah Babalola repeated in the women’s wheelchair race, finishing in 41:16 to once again knock off Ret. Maj. Heather Sealover. 

Buchanan also won the Boulevard Race in Spokane last fall. 

(Information from KREM.com was used in this story.)