CASA - 25th ANNUAL HALF MARATHON - July 23rd, 2011

"I had a great time at the race last Saturday. The weather was great and the scenery was gorgeous for the run. I certainly appreciate all the effort you and the other volunteers put forth."

- Jason Quam 2010 Participant

The 25th Annual Spearfish Canyon Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk was held Saturday at the Spearfish City Park and Spearfish Canyon. There was a record turnout of support for the children, with 242 registered half marathon runners and 189 5K runners and walkers. The race is an annual fundraiser, which benefits the abused and neglected children in the Northern Hills via the Northern Hills Area CASA Program. This year's event brought in an estimated $18,500 for the child advocacy program.

Overall winner of the half marathon was Joshua Blue, Rapid City, with an official time of 1:15:19.7 (mat/net time 1:15:20). The second place finisher overall was Philip Schwartz, Spearfish, coming in at 1:17:32.8 (1:17:34). The overall third place position was earned by David Tingley, Portage, MI, with a time of 1:21:35.5 (1:21:35). The first woman finisher was Tera Potts, Sturgis, with a time of 1:29:57.5 (1:29:52).

Overall winner of the 5K was Clay Kopplin, Piedmont, with a time of 18:43.2 (18:42). John Eppen, Spearfish, came in second overall in 19:44.1 (19.42). In third place was Gabe Kois Ellsworth Air Force Base, in 20:21.9 (20:22). Top female runner in the 5K was Jenny Bush, Belle Fourche, 22:06.8 (22:03).

Runners of all ages and from across the country participated in the 25th annual half marathon on Saturday. This year's event was also "international" as a runner from Mexico and an entire family visiting from Thailand participated.

Event committee members this year were Myles Kennedy, Karen Hahn, Barb Donat, Dave Donat, John Carr, Lin Carr, and CASA staff. Dozens of volunteers also helped make the event a success.

Sponsors of this year's Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk and donors of door prizes were: Premier Bankcard, Black Hills Pioneer, KEVN Black Hills Fox, KDSJ Radio, Carl's Trailer Sales, Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel & Gaming Complex, First Gold Hotel, Wharf Resources, RCS Construction, Prestige Auto Sales, Visit Spearfish, First Interstate Bank, Great Western Bank, Lynn's Dakotamart, Scheels, Burger King, Dakota Territory Federal Credit Union, Holiday Inn, Ketel Thorstenson LLP, Northern Hills Federal Credit Union, Performance Physical Therapy, Prestige Auto sales, Reinhart Food Service, Safeway, Spearfish Ambulance Service, Superior Sanitation, The Coca Cola Company, the Downtown Gym, Two Wheeler Dealer, GU Energy, and Road ID.

The following businesses assisted with supplies, services, and equipment: Spearfish Police Department, City of Spearfish, Spearfish Fish Hatchery, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Spearfish High School Athletic Department, Reinhart Food Service, Spearfish Ambulance, Superior Sanitation, Safeway, the Holiday Inn, and local media. Chip timing provided by Flatirons Race Timing.

All proceeds of this event go toward providing each abused and neglected child involved the 4th Judicial Circuit a safe, permanent, and loving home through the advocacy efforts of their CASA volunteer.

If anyone is interested in volunteering for next year's event or becoming a CASA advocate, please call the CASA office at 722-4558 or email casaast@rushmore.com.

TESTIMONIALS

"I wanted to thank you for hosting the 2010 half marathon. The course was beautiful and it's great to run for such a great cause. Thanks again for putting together such a great event." - Brian Baleno 2010 Participant

"I ran the Spearfish Canyon Half marathon this past Saturday, July 24. It was a great race and nice scenery!" - Michelle Knuppe 2010 Participant

"I would like to say what a wonderful event you guys put on. The Casa Half Marathon was top notch, for all the right reasons. To help abused and neglected children, awesome. This was the first time I have taken part in this run and plan on making it next year if possible. The run was well organized & the canyon was beautiful." -Steve Layman 2008 Participant