Gold Rush Run draws large field
Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, June 10, 2008
- <I>The Eagle/David Heldreth</I><BR>Daniel Soupir approaches the finish line of the 2008 Gold Rush Run June 7. Soupir was the first to cross the line.
CANYON CITY – Daniel Soupir is still on top of the 5k Gold Rush Run and Walk.
Soupir, 17, of Prairie City, was the overall winner in 2007, and won again this year – but he bested his 2007 time by over a minute.
In the June 7 event, part of ’62 Days, he finished with a time of 18 minutes and 34 seconds.
Melanie Leckenby, 40, of John Day was the first female finisher, clocking in at 23:40.
Soupir and Leckenby earned commemorative silver dollars as the first male and female finishers.
Also taking home coins were Barry Dew of Baker City for first male finisher age 40 and over, and Sarah Bush, first female finisher under age 40.
To the delight of organizers, participation in the event was the highest in over 20 years, with a field of 66. Many young folks participated, a dozen kids under the age of 15 entered.
Omar Medina, age 14, placed third overall, and Robby Bullock and Tynan Callahan, both age 11, placed in the top 20.
It was very much a family affair as well. The entire Murphy-Johnston family of Canyon City participated again this year, as did the Cosgrove family of John Day. The Long family of Seneca and the Gregory family of Vale each had four members in the event.
