BRRC Running/Walking Bulletin
for July 3, 2026
Saturday, July 4, 2026
BRRC's 4th of July Fun Run
8:00 am
Moran Prairie School
4224 E. 57th
Donations for Second Harvest are being accepted on RunSignup.
https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Spokane/BRRC4thJulyFunRun
Thursday, July 9, 2026
BRRC's Picnic and BBQ
Information will be on the postcard mailed to members.
Comstock Park
(Members only)
Looking for an Assistant Cross Country Coach
Jaime Rorbach, head Cross Country coach at Liberty High School, is looking for an assistant coach. Liberty has a small program that needs some help with coaching and motivating young runners just coming into the program.
Please contact Jamie at: jaime.rohrbach@yahoo.com
BRRC Membership Renewal
Make sure to renew your membership online. Help support your club so that BRRC can continue to do good things for the Spokane running community.
The online membership registration is presently active here.
Online Membership: https://raceroster.com/memberships/4888/2026-2027-bloomsday-road-runners-club
Paper Membership form: https://www.brrc.net/Membership_2026_form.html
Gunhild Swanson's Centennial Trail accident
So I was enjoying a beautiful friday afternoon on the centennial trail, ready to turn around and head back as soon as the oncoming wheelchair rider passed me when I was struck hard from behind by a bicycle. I ended up on the trail in a heap, he and his bike flew off the trail into the bushes on the riverbank. I never heard him announce himself coming up behind me. He planned to pass between the wheelchair and me. there should have been room but I think I was too close to the middle of the trail and in the process of taking that first step of my turn to the left. I truly believe this is mostly on me, although that wasn't expressed. I received nothing but kindness and help, and even a follow-up the next day. His wife went to get the car and meet her husband and me at the trailhead about 1/4 mile back. Her husband walked back with me pushing his bike. His wife took me to my car and I drove myself to the ER. Multiple x-rays and 2 CT scans later I learned I have 4 broken ribs on the right side. a contusion on my cheek bone, broken 5th metatarsal right foot, and comminuted Fx right thumb. My foot is in a boot, head is ok (no sign of internal bleed), my thumb needs surgery to pin it. Ribs are a pain, literally. I'm going to have to be patient, this may take a while... I may try to actually sleep in my bed tonight rather than the recliner, which is awful to get out of.
PS: texting is impossible without it all turning into gobbledegook. Typing is hard, and this first attempt at typing on a regular keyboard is taking forever.
Von Klohe presented flowers provided by Gunhild's friends from BRRC.
BRRC Race Series
Here's the latest update to the BRRC Race Series through Fairfield from Jackie VanAllen:
https://www.brrc.net/series_results.html
Running Quotes (New each Week):
I run because long after my footprints fade away, maybe I will have inspired a few to reject the easy path, hit the trails, put one foot in front of the other, and come to the same conclusion I did: I run because it always takes me where I want to go.
Dean Karnazes
Six Minute Mile (New each Week):
https://mailchi.mp/sixminutemile/smm-new-builder-template-17590596?e=ff960b9 e0b
Minute 1: Can pickle juice really curb your cramps?
Minute 2: Small changes for a big improvement on your health
Minute 3: Building a healthier Fourth of July cookout plate
Minute 4: Shoe Review Hoka Clifton 11 ($155)
Minute 5: Quick Intervals
Minute 6: Daily Inspiration
I Must Run Everywhere
I'm happy to introduce a new/old runner who is a prolific writer with a unique sense
of humor. Jim Johnson offered to republish a few of his articles from his blog, "I must Run Everywhere."
https://imustruneverywhere.com/
Rules and decrees bring success to Manito Running Club
Spokane’s top running club by far is the Manito Running Club. Manito members regularly win races or their age-groups. They are also leaders recognized in the running community for their effectiveness and dedication.
This culture of excellence has been fostered by a strict regulatory environment in which layers and layers of rules and decrees have created an atmosphere in which members thrive.
Many policies and requirements that govern the smallest of details in behavior, dress, hygiene and more makes for a cohesive, tight-knit group that is focused on discipline and attention to detail. This creates a winning attitude.
The group appointed a talented individual, Mike Tonkyn, to the position of violations administrator. As head of the Violations Department, his team doles out punishment and enforces the hundreds of regulations. In the below photo, Mike is delivering a stern glare to a member who used a napkin in a non-complying manner.
Members are required to attend frequent seminars to learn the latest MRC policies and dictates. In the below photo, which I explained about in a previous post, members are learning to run in the latest, club-approved formation.
Even parking your car is monitored by the watchful eyes of MRC enforcement personnel. Though Manito Park is public space, parking spots are assigned for our Saturday morning runs, and there is zero tolerance for parking in the wrong spot.
In the photo below, I’ve just pulled out of my assigned spot, and I’m heading home with the satisfaction and fulfillment of being part of a system that brings order, structure, and a big brother warmth to my life.
Recently, myself and fellow club member Lensa Etana were singled out for a near 100% adherence to club rules and policies. It was a truly wonderful moment, and we were very, very happy.
Unfortunately, shortly after this, Lensa committed a major violation, and her membership in MRC is in doubt.
BRRC and Race Rag 2026 Events (Save the date!)
Saturday, July 4, 2026
BRRC's 4th of July Fun Run
Donations are being accepted.
https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Spokane/BRRC4thJulyFunRun
Thursday, July 9, 2026
BRRC's Picnic and BBQ
Comstock Park
6:00 pm
Information will be on the postcard mailed to members.
(Members only)
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Cherry Pickers Trot
5:00 Pit Spit and Dinner
6:30 Tot Trot
7:00 Race at Harvest House and Green Bluff Church
https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Colbert/CherryPickersTrot
August 23, 2026
Inland Northwest Cross Country Invitational
https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Spokane/InlandNorthwestCrossCountryInvitationalINWXCI
Spokane Valley, WA
Spokane, WA 99216 US
The Inland Northwest Cross Country Invitational @ The Course
Experience race day at THE premier new cross country running venue in America, The Course in Spokane Valley with a fast, exciting 5K cross country event designed for runners of all ages and abilities.
Held on Sunday, August 23rd, the day before high school cross country season officially begins, this event is the perfect way to kick off the fall racing season. Whether you're sharpening up before competition, chasing a personal best, or just looking to experience an incredible new course, this race delivers championship-level atmosphere on a state-of-the-art cross country venue built for the top runners in the region and for one day this August, everyone gets a chance to see what the fuss is all about.
Women's 5K
Price:$20
($10: Ages 1 - 18)
Time:8:00AM PDT
Men's 5K
Price:$20
($10: Ages 1 - 18)
Time:9:00AM PDT
Registration ends August 22, 2026 at 4:00pm PDT
Awards
Top 3 Overall, High School, & Masters
1970's style headband for all finishers
Expect wide starting areas, beautifully designed rolling terrain, premium footing, and an authentic cross country racing experience at the newest state-of-the-art cross-country course in the United States. Come test yourself, celebrate the start of cross-country season, and race where the future of XC begins.
Brought to you by Bloomsday Road Runners Club & The BRRC's Fall XC Race Series.
Sunday, September 6, 2026
BRRC's Audubon Cross Country
Sunday, September 13, 2026
BRRC's Sundae Sunday
Saturday, September 26, 2026
BRRC's Colbert Autumn Classic
Sunday, October 4, 2026
BRRC's Qualchan Cross Country
Sunday, October 11, 2026
BRRC's The Spokane Marathon
Sunday, October 18, 2026
BRRC's 7-Mile Cross Country
Saturday, October 24, 2026
BRRC's Mead Cross Country
November 26, 2026
BRRC'S Turkey Trot
BRRC Membership Renewal
BRRC Membership runs from May to May.
The online membership is presently active.
Online: https://raceroster.com/memberships/4888/2026-2027-bloomsday-road-runners-club
Printable Paper form: https://www.brrc.net/Membership_2026_form.html
BRRC NEWS and OREO Award
This month's Oreo Award goes to:
All of the volunteers who worked at the BRRC Bloomsday booth. Thank you for your help!
BRRC Officers:
President: Dori Whitford brrcpresident@gmail.com
President Elect: Sharon Van Auch presidentelectbrrc@gmail.com
Past President: Tony Proctor pastpresidentbrrc@gmail.com
Treasurer: Kevin Boercker treasurerbrrc@gmail.com
Secretary: Paul Fitzpatrick secretarybrrc@gmail.com
