JOHN DAY Brent Labhart of John Day set a new course record in the annual Gold Rush 5K as he scorched across the line in 17:59, upsetting the old record of 18:04 set in 2004.

Rebel Hill killed me, but I am happy with my time, said Labhart as he grabbed his knees after the race.

The race drew 71 runners and walkers. The temperature was nearly perfect throughout, ranging in the upper 60s with a slight breeze.

At the halfway mark, Labhart led the pack, clocking in at 8:07, but another runner was catching spectators attention. Eleven-year-old Hayden Gordham was running with the leading pack, and was less than a minute behind the leader in the first half of the race.

Womens leader Sarah Bush separated herself from the pack early, creating a comfortable half-mile gap between her and the second-place runner.

The openness of the two-lane course and low traffic allowed the runners to stretch out and run their own pace without getting nudged or jostled.

For most, it was about 15 minutes before they reached the infamous Rebel Hill, a short and steep mental challenge before the finish.

It was no surprise to see Labhart take advantage of his long stride; he picked up a little time on the back side of the hill as he ran the final mile of the race.

As he crossed the line, the timers knew immediately that the record had fallen, and spectators gathered to congratulate the new record-holder.

The excitement wasnt over, though, as the next three runners began their kick for the finish. In their midst, was 11-year-old Hayden.

Finishing just behind Barry Dew of Baker City, Hayden placed fourth overall with a record time of 19:45, a time that is unlikely to be beaten in the near future.

A short time later, Bush, the first woman, ran solo down the final hill and to an easy first-place finish in 23:24.

Younger runners were well-represented with 12 runners age 11 and under. Several of them covered the 3.1-mile course in under 30 minutes.

In addition to Hayden, the young pacesetters included Walker Joslin, 12, 13th place overall in 24:31; Jojari Field, 10, 22nd overall in 25:36; and Braden Gregory, 10, 28th overall in 28:37.

Other junior speedsters include Peyton Neault, 10; Parker Manitsas, age 10, Parker Neault, age 9, Ethan Hatfield, age 10, Laken McKay, age 8, Trenton Carpenter, age 8, Trevor Gabbard, 7; and Paige Gerry, 9.

Many of the youngsters are members of the Humbolt School Running Club, led by Samantha Gerry, said race director Hugh Snook. The club seems to be making its mark in our local running events and getting these kids off to a good start for a lifetime of fitness.

The finishers were greeted with refreshments and congratulations from their running buddies.

The smell of homemade food filled the air, and people gathering to set up for the rest of the 62 Days celebration provided a nice welcome for the 5K finishers.

After awards were given to age group winners and runners under 12, along with ribbons for category placements, the participants had the opportunity to treat themselves to breakfast in the old fire hall.

The event was sponsored by the Whiskey Gulch Gang and the Strawberry Striders running group with volunteer help from Doug Smith, Dennis McKinnon, Charol Smith, Tammy Bremner, Karen Jacobs, and Jim Soupir.