Locals shine at LeGrizz ultra

This year’s 39th running of the LeGrizz 50-mile ultra marathon had a decidedly local flavor, Saturday, Oct. 10. Twenty-eight percent of finishers called the Flathead Valley home; there must have been a home field advantage.

Whitefish runner, Drew Coco (29), Whitefish, was the overall winner in a time of 5 hours 45 minutes. Others who topped the leader board were Hannah Palmer (35), Kila, second place women; Somer Treat, West Glacier, First Place Masters Women; and Suzanne Hildner (65), Whitefish, first place senior women.

In addition to Coco, Cody Moore (25), Kalispell, third overall, and Tristin Scott (38), Whitefish, fifth overall. Other local finishers included Anie Gustafson, Beth Steele, Nolan Ball, Adam Sommers, Jim Baker, Jeff Metsky, Matt Sedlacek, Jon Blankenship, Kevin Miller, and Richard Hildner.

Treat received the Pat Caffrey Spirit of LeGrizz award for her support of trail running in the Flathead and specifically for her dedication to the LeGrizz Ultra-marathon.

The race sponsor, the Polebridge Mercantile, donated $500 to Montana Special Olympics. In a normal year our Special Olympians run one of the aid stations but this year, due to COVID-19, they were unable to participate, noted Race Director, Flannery Coats.

The North Fork Land Owners Association was once again a generous host, providing volunteers and on-course support. Coats also noted the generous support provided by the Flathead’s own Hammer Nutrition who kept runners fueled. Competitive Timing of Whitefish was responsible for tracking runners’ times.

Coats said she is expecting a large turnout next year when LeGrizz celebrates its 40th anniversary. The race is always held the second Saturday in October. LeGrizz is one of the oldest continuously run 50-mile event in the world.