Wild weather welcomes Polson’s first annual half-marathon
Carrie Pichler
Fifty-one runners head off at the start of the race to complete a 13.1-mile loop around Polson, despite Saturday’s high winds and drenching rains.
Carrie Pichler
"Sorry 'Bout That" half-marathon, Polson
Carrie Pichler
Jason Delaney
Carrie Pichler
Jason Delaney nears the finish line of Polson Running’s “Sorry ‘Bout That” half-maration. Delaney was the first runner to complete the course, boasting a winning time of 1:13:33.
Carrie Pichler
Lou Brenner
Carrie Pichler
Race organizer Michael Brandt
Carrie Pichler
An escaped mule trotted alongside runners throughout a portion of the race.
Carrie Pichler
Peter Rork, Sharon McDaniel and Mandy Ramesar
Carrie Pichler
Sean Severe
Carrie Pichler
Trever Allen
Carrie Pichler
Trisha Drobeck, first-place finish, women
Carrie Pichler
"Sorry 'Bout That" half-marathon, Polson
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Battling double-digit wind gusts and unusual January rain, runners came from all around to participate in Polson’s first annual half-marathon. Dubbed “Sorry ‘Bout That,” the 13.1 mile run boasted 51 runners, one biker and even included an enthusiastic escaped mule who joined in on the fun, running alongside participants for a time.
The event was hosted by Polson Running and is one of five planned races of the year. Typically Polson Running puts on a 5k in January but due to multiple requests, it was decided to add mileage to the course. The race started and ended at the Mission Valley Aquatic Center and looped around along North Reservoir Road to Back Road and through Polson along the bike path.
Polson Running President Michael Brandt said the name came about in accordance to the weather. “Matt Seeley came up with the name,” Brandt said. “We thought it would be kind of funny due to the typical weather in January. Every time someone says ‘it’s cold,’ we can say ‘sorry ‘bout that.’” Seeley, a tri-athlete and Polson High School’s cross-country coach, led the race on his bike.
Runners were actually not affected by the weather too much, stating it was better than snow. First-place finisher Jason Delaney of Polson welcomed the cold. “It’s really not too bad for this time of year,” he said. “You almost want it cold.”
Delaney was the first male runner to cross the finish line, capturing a 1:13:33 time. Trisha Drobeck was the first female finisher at 1:23:45.
Also showing wind-blown cheeks were the many volunteers that came out to help. Volunteer Krista Gage and her son Taegen were at one of the checkpoints, helping to motivate and cheer on the runners. “It’s freezing,” she said. “I’m just amazed these people are doing this in this wind and rain. It’s awesome, I’m so impressed.”
With the success of the turnout, Polson Running hopes to continue the winter run each year as well as their four other planned races.
“If anyone is interested in training, we have a program listed on our Facebook,” Brandt said. “It’s a 10-week, 226-mile training plan. It’s like going from Polson to Calgary,” he said, laughing.
For more information on future runs or volunteering, check out www.polsonrunning.com.
Results
1. Jason Delaney 1:13:33
2. Andy Drobeck 1:17:42
3. Brock Sandry 1:23:44
4. Trisha Drobeck 1:23:45
5. Sean Severe 1:24:24
6. Austin Allen 1:28:00
7. Jenni Brown 1:32:36
8. Annie Hill 1:34:01
9. Micah Hill 1:34:04
10. Mike Sitter 1:35:04
11. Lou Brenner 1:36:00
12. Trever Allen 1:37:02
13. Pat Lake 1:39:44
14. Gillian Maness 1:40:39
15. Jon Warneke 1:41:28
16. Marcella Sandry 1:41:44
17. Jill Penninston 1:42:46
18. Rebecca Ulizio 1:46:52
19. Keegan Siebenaler 1:46:53
20. Wendy Sitter 1:48:37
21. Cub Jordt 1:49:15
22. Tana Seeley 1:49:50
23. Heather Mergenthaler 1:50:08
24. Ginia Hauf 1:51:02
25. Julie Baker 1:51:34
26. Andrew McMahon 1:51:39
27. Tony Bontadelli 1:51:49
28. Bonnie Dorfler 1:51:53
29. Becca Bontadelli 1:52:29
30. Kelly Hamilton 1:53:07
31. Raina Stene 1:53:58
32. Slater 1:54:35
33. Katzer 1:54:36
34. Alina Graves 1:57:50
35. Tiffany Watkins 1:57:58
36. Ciara Everett 1:58:13
37. Steve Herr 2:01:26
38. Clair Goots 2:03:48
39. Holly Jordt 2:04:57
40. Craig Hunnicutt 2:04:58
41. Peter Rork 2:11:54
42. Michael Brandt 2:13:00
43. Elizabeth Sawyer 2:14:56
44. Pat Bristol 2:18:43
45. Bruce Gerlach 2:26:33
46. Cassie Warneke 2:30:04
47. Dave Harris 2:32:31
48. Yvette Reynolds 2:34:44
49. Mandy Ramesar 2:37:00
50. Sharon McDaniel 2:41:58
51. Tessa Jones 3:02:28
