JOHN DAY On Saturday, June 8, near the site where early gold seekers in 1862 camped, local runners will stride out and sweat in the oldest hosted road race and walk in Grant County.

The Gold Rush Run and Walk is part of the annual 62 Days celebration, and a tribute to those who broke through the rock of the precipitous canyon to find gold riches at what is now Canyon City.

The 5-kilometer race will begin 7 a.m. with runners zipping along a fast, semi-flat course, starting and finishing at Sels Brewery in Canyon City.

Registration costs $15 per person and includes a wicking T-shirt to add to the summer wardrobe. Preregistration is available by mail, by dropping forms off at the Grant County Chamber of Commerce office, or online at gcoregonlive.com.

Grant Countys longest running event has been organized by race director Hugh Snook, an avid runner who came to John Day in the 1980s.

Below, Snook explains the significance of the race, and what you could look forward to as a competitor.

Q: Could you tell us about your background as a runner?

A: True story. When I was a kid, we had 50 head of cattle, and no horses. It was my job to move the cows around, and keep them out of the alfalfa and the pastures that were being irrigated. We had a big, wily Charolais cow that led the herd through fences, so I was always chasing cows and mending fence. Id get angry, so to punish them I would run them from where they had busted out to the farthest corner of the property as fast as I could. I discovered that it was not that hard.

I went out for the junior high track team. I ran track at Ontario High School and Treasure Valley Community College.

When I moved to Grant County in 1982, I really enjoyed the Gold Rush Run, the Strawberry Half-fast Marathon, and the Prairie City Sizzler. I ran them with Doug Smith and Tony Johns, and it was inspiring to me to see men 20 years my senior running so fast! I ran my fastest times in my late 20s. Some events I first ran 30 years ago. My times have gotten slower, but I feel deeply grateful to still be running all these years later.

Q: Do you believe the history and the longevity of the race will increase the popularity of the races in the county?

A: I think the history/longevity of the Gold Rush Run contributes somewhat it its own popularity Some who participated in their youth are running it with their children.

There has been such an increase in fitness events it Grant County. It is great to see, and I credit enthusiastic organizers that have made it happen, as well as Grant County residents who are embracing a healthy lifestyle, and see fitness events as a fun way to stay motivated. The Gold Rush Run has helped because it has demonstrated that our community supports these events and welcomes more inspiring other events.

Q: What is needed to encourage more people to embrace the concept of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through running?

A: What is needed is our individual choice to do so. What local fitness events such as the Gold Rush Run, the Strut, Stride, Straddle, or the March of Dimes Walkathon provide are opportunities to discover and appreciate a fitness activity that will lead to that choice.

Training for such events, and experiencing the excitement, camaraderie and success while participating in them, fosters enthusiasm to incorporate running, walking or biking into our daily lives.

Another key is providing positive examples for kids. Running, walking, or biking can be lifetime sports. It is inspiring for kids to participate in an activity they see adults of all ages doing as well. It is great for high school kids to see that running doesnt end with high school track. They can run and compete their whole lives.

Q: What is unique about this race? How is it beneficial to the community?

A: It is unique because it is in Canyon City and part of 62 Days. I really like Canyon Citys historic buildings, and the setting under Canyon Mountain and Eagle Rock is very scenic. 62 Days is a unique celebration in our state. There are nods to that history in the Gold Rush Run, like starting the race by dropping a gold nugget in a gold pan, and the gold nugget gum we hand out.

It is beneficial to the community because it adds to the celebration of our heritage that helps define us as a community. It also benefits the community by providing an activity a whole family can participate in that promotes fitness.

Q: What will be different this year … and in the future?

A: This year, participants receive wicking T-shirts. These technical fabric T-shirts are great for training. They are comfortable in the heat, rain or as a bottom layer. Instead of T-shirts every year, I change it up a lot. Next year, maybe socks.

Other than that, we try to keep the event dependably consistent! Dedicated volunteers, such as Doug and Charol Smith, Jim Soupir, Karen Jacobs, and Tammy Day, keep the event running smoothly.

Q: Do you expect out-of-towners to come to the race?

A: Very few. The event is not publicized much outside of the area. I think the setting, its history, and 62 Days could attract them. But I would rather see a local high-schooler win the event than have a bigger event won by a hot-shot runner from Bend or Portland.