We had an amazing time this year at the 4th of July Cat Track Summit Race! Thanks to everyone who participated and spread the word about this wonderful way to spend the 4th with family and friends. This year we had a grand total of 114 runners; over four times the amount we had last year! Everyone seemed to have such a wonderful time that we’ve already started planning details for next years run! *Hint hint, how would you all feel about a costume contest?!*

Despite the heat on Saturday, runners made it up our 3.1 miles of cat track to the summit, stopped for mere seconds to enjoy the beautiful view of the lake (and the crowds they were avoiding in town), and turned to head back to the finish line. Our wonderful volunteers waited to pass out water, Gatorade, and fruit to participants as they whizzed by at several stations throughout the track. Family members and friends rode the lift to the top to watch the race from a different view, and then made their way back down Blue Bird to see their loved ones cross the finish line. Quite a few of these racers made it through the whole 10k in under an hour. In fact, our first place winner, Andrew Armstrong, from McCall, made it in 45:07. Congrats Andrew!

Speaking of winners, we had several. Our first category was top three men, with Andrew Armstrong in first, Jess Assmussen in second, and Josh Zielinski in third. Our next category was top three women. Our first woman to come in, Mandi Horning from Boise, made it in at 57:10, with Lynn Miller in second, and Anika Miller in third. Our next category was top three under 18, with Chris Stone in first, Calvin Keller in 2nd, and Sean Martin in third. We had a special category this year for our youngest race finisher. At age 7 Shelbi Mendia crossed the finish line with a smile on her face. She even won a special prize later on. Whether runners placed in our four categories or not, most beat their personal times. Remember this is quite a feat as the course for this race climbs several hundred feet to make it to the top of our mountain. Feel those calves burn!

After all racers had finished and the raffle began, we had even more winners. Thanks to our sponsors at SRB, Mile High Marina, Mountain Java, Razzle Dazzle, McCall Drug Store, Home Town Sports, Stacey Cakes, and Alpine Wholesalers, we had great prizes to give away to our racers. Racers hung around after the raffle to indulge in a good old fashion BBQ for the 4th while listening to Lucky Tongue’s melodies and chatting with fellow participants. One such participant, Rachel Schiell from Moscow, Idaho, explained to me “The Race was so much fun, and everyone seemed so organized. Even though the up hill was a little rough, the views, were totally worth it. I would definitely do it again! The free beer is always an incentive too.” We’re glad you enjoyed yourself Rachel! It seems like most people did!

We were very excited to see so many families supporting their runners on Saturday. Kids lounging in the grass, adults appreciating our Extra Special Brundage Brew from Salmon River Brewery, all ages participating in lawn games, BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers, and splashing around in our ponds. On lookers crowded in the shade after the race to listen to one of our very favorite bands, Lucky Tongue, as they performed songs we all know and love, with their own special twist. What a perfect way to celebrate our country’s birthday! We hope to see you all again next year!

-Jade