RUNNING CHUCKANUT FOOT RACE - Local runners top Chuckanut Foot Race

(ALEX W. SUTHERLAND THE BELLINGHAM HERALD)If there was a common denominator among the participants at Saturday’s Chuckanut Foot Race, it was the look that nearly every competitor had while crossing the finish line.

The look could be described as part fatigue, some discomfort, but most delirium. Most runners finished and looked like they had more in the tank.

Even with 1,000 runners representing numerous cities, the top finishes went to local athletes. Former Western Washington runner Steve DeKoker was the men’s overall winner in 37:38, and Kristen Rohde, one in a family of outstanding runners from Mount Baker High School, was the women’s overall winner in 44:47.

But it seemed the competitive aspect was secondary in the race, which was run for the 41st time. Starting at Marine Park, navigating the Interurban Trail and finishing at Larrabee Park, runners and race organizers enjoyed a day that, in terms of weather, could only be described as flawless.

“A perfect day,” said Donna Janigo of Bellingham, who said she’s run the race about 15 times. “It’s always a beautiful day to run on the trail, and it’s fun to run with a big group of people, and see a lot of friends.

“I’m just glad I can get there and do it,” Janigo added. “There are a lot of people who can’t run seven miles, and I’m really glad I can.”

“Beautiful conditions,” said Monte Brooks of Bellingham, who crossed the finish line at about the 51-minute mark. “In the first mile, you funnel down into the trail there, so you have to try and get out in front or you get backed up a little bit.”

Brooks said he’s participated in the Chuckanut about every other year since the mid 1980s.

Winners in their respective classifications included: Men’s 14 and under, Erik Poulin; Men’s 15-19, Joshua Simpson; Men’s 20-24, Dusty Caseria; Men’s 25-29; Steve DeKoker; Men’s 30-34, Ian Fraser; Men’s 35-39, Peter Oviatt; Men’s 40-44; Michael Lynes; Men’s 45-49, Daniel Gallant; Men’s 50-54, Dave Elger, Men’s 55-59; Bill Grether; Men’s 60-64; Ron Miller; Men’s 65-69, Gale Phuller; Men’s 70-74; Hans Fenz, Men’s 75-79, Arthur Lee;.Men’s 80 and over, William Foster.

Women’s winners were: 14 and Under, Marissa Hielkema; 15-19; Ketty Alfaro; 20-24, Kristen Stouder; 25-29, Sarah Kok, 30-34; Kathleen Harri, 35-39, Margie Prentice; 40-44, Sally Bergesen; 45-49, Cheryl Zimmerman; 50-54, Kaye Lewis; 55- 59, Holly Harris; 60-64, Nancy Heyer; 65-69, Vicki Griffiths; 70- 74, Suzanne Krogh; 75-79, Lois Ante; 80 and over, Frances Harris.

Complete results of the Chuckanut Footrace can be found at: www.FairhvenRunners.com