Saturday, July 31, 1999 -- Mullens
Bear Hole 10K Run & 1 Mile Kid's Run
Story & photos by Julie Bertsch

[Results] [Results by Class] [ Pic Set 1] [ Pic Set 2]

Everyone should feel this good while running a 10K!

Every year, on the last Saturday of July, participants come from all around to run in the Bear Hole 10K. Many runners have been in this race since it began years ago, and how nice it is to see old and new friends compete in this friendly 10K. The course wound it's way up and down some steep hills on a paved road, through the lush, green forest. It was out and back, with a downhill run-way, and then a flat stretch to the finish, which was at the beautiful Twin Falls State Park Resort. The heat was already becoming a factor early at pre-race time, so the run was underway as soon as everyone was ready at 9 a.m.

The top 3 Overall Finishers run their cool down miles together

The start was fairly crowded, with the pack staying together until about the first 1/2 mile when Larry Taylor (35:08), began to pull away, and never look back. "There were long, gradual hills, at the turnaround I had to prepare for the uphill on the way back." Taylor said, "I felt great today. I wish I felt this great when I ran the Clarksburg 10K!" Aaron Phillips (36:00), wasn't feeling too bad himself when he managed to finish 2nd Overall, a minute or so behind 1st place, Taylor. "There were a lot of downhills. The course wasn't too bad." explained Phillips, "I still feel that I can do better, but I'm happy." Aaron Kaylor finished a minute or more behind Phillips to take 3rd Place Overall respectively, with a time of 37:22.

Cris Sterling keeps her steady pace uphill towards the finish

Activities Coordinator, Sissie Feller said,"The fastest women to finish this race in the last 6 years have all been over 45 years old!" Now that's amazing. This year was no exception, with the top three women finishers all over the age of 45 again, and obviously in great shape! Cris Sterling, the 1st Overall Woman, finished 21st overall with a swift time of 47:22. Second Overall for the women was Sharon Myers finishing with a 48:43, and taking 3rd for the women was Donna Akers (52:03). These strong, running women have kept a tradition alive in Mullens that will be hard to beat in the years to come, no doubt! Keep it up girls!

Savannah Clay has no trouble mastering the heat

Starting a new tradition for the young women was age 10, Savannah Clay, who finished first in the 1 Mile Kid's Race! She ran her humid mile in only 8:43. Lots of picture opportunities were taken advantage of at this race! There was also a 5K Fun Walk that had all all the ladies who entered, walking up and down the hills of Mullens.

Many of the runners and their families enjoyed a picnic catered by Twin Falls Restaurant after the race. Volunteers from the Twin Lakes Resorts made sure that there were enough water stops, and Activities Coordinator, Sissie Feller made everyone feel at home, even the 1st timers! We can't wait to go back and enjoy the beauty and fun of Twin Falls next year!