A group of runners started their 2024 fitness goals early with the annual New Year's Day fun run in Thompson Falls. Twenty-two runners braved the damp chill and icy roads to bring in the new year with a brisk run. The runners gathered at the Elks Lodge on Monday for the 25th annual fun run, with runners choosing a 5K or a 2K distance. They took off at 9 a.m.

"We used to have over 100 runners," said organizer Sarah Naegeli with the Clark Fork Running Club. Other towns started having a New Year's Day run, so the numbers have dropped, Naegeli surmised.

The first runner in was 10-year-old Saria Scherzer. Her mother, Tracie Scherzer, said that Saria participated in her first run at nine months old. "Saria rode on my back while I ran at the Naegeli Ranch Run," Tracie said. Saria's first solo run was the Thompson Falls New Year's Day run when she was 3 years old, Tracie said. "It's the most fun I've had this year," Saria joked after coming in first in the 2K.

The Thompson Falls Ambulance had three members running in the race including Gloria Yoder, Miriam Smith and Hiram Kach. Justin Morgan came in first for the 5K in 19.26 minutes. Kaden Beachy was second, and Kach was third.

Some of the runners brought their dogs along to run or walk with them. Naegeli was first to come in for the women in the 5K. The Huckleberry Festival Run is the other constant event the club currently organizes. "Our committee consists of Floyd Searl, Carol Brooker, Sharon Pound and Kris Anderson. We would like to add a couple more annual runs to our list," Naegeli said. The entry fee for the New Year's Day run is $5, which is donated to local scholarships, Naegeli said.

Sixth grader Adam Hutchings was with family. "It was my first time running. I'm glad it's over but I will do it again next year," he said. Several runners commented that it was a great way to start the new year.