Over the Dam run gets a boost

Chamber of commerce members and “Over the Dam” run officials got good news Thursday when they learned that despite work at the dam, the race can likely go on as scheduled.

Public Affairs Officer Lynne Brougher told chamber members that there would be a free lane over the top of the dam and that the run could likely be held. A year ago, there had been some discussion the race might not be held across the dam because of construction.

She told the 26 that turned out for the meeting that there would be heavy equipment on the top of the dam but that an emergency lane would be open.

Stefan Newbury, owner of Tri-Freaks, the company that puts on the “Over the Dam” run, and also the Grand Columbian Triathlon, was guest speaker of the day.

He and members of the chamber explored a number of ideas to make the “Over the Dam” run more fun for both participants and spectators.

The run will take place Saturday, May 12, during Colorama.

The run brings contestants up through town ending at North Dam Park about the time the Colorama Parade begins.

The group is leaning toward a “Western wear” emphasis for contestants and a kids’ run of some kind.

Also at the meeting were Bryan Raines and Tanya Riordan, from U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell’s Spokane office.

Riordan stated that Sen. Cantwell likes to run marathons and was the “fastest senator in the United States.” Riordan was invited to let Cantwell know that it was okay for her to enter the September triathlon.

The senator’s aides were in town to visit district schools, meet with Coulee Dam Mayor Quincy Snow and attend a Bonneville Power Administration/Bureau of Reclamation public meeting on the current power line project.