Run of the Hiawatha
<p>SHAWN GUST/Press Corey Haustein runs along a portion of the Centennial Trail near Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive Thursday as part of a 30-mile run from Post Falls to Higgens Point and back.</p>
COEUR d’ALENE — A few years ago, Corey Haustein began running ultramarathons.
He liked them, so he decided to come up with a long distance jaunt on his own.
Welcome to Tunnels ‘N’ Trestles Trail Run.
The 28.2-mile trek will be held June 6 on the Route of the Hiawatha. Following a 7 a.m. start, runners will run down 13.1 miles — a descent of 967 feet from 4,147 to 3,180 – before going back up to finish on the Montana side of the Taft Tunnel.
All told there are 10 tunnels and seven trestles and endless scenic beauty.
Sound like fun?
“It’s a perfect venue with spectacular views,” Haustein said. “It’s kind of fun running through tunnels. That’s not something normally you get.”
The Coeur d’Alene man is expecting about 25 runners or so to take on the challenge, but is hoping for more.
The scenery, the uniqueness of the course that crosses the Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana, and the potential for future growth create the possibility for a test of stamina, strength and surefootedness.
“This is one race that will be unlike any other,” he said.
Haustein, a longtime cyclist who is planning to do the 34-mile “Let’s Climb a Mountain” run in
Spokane this summer, said there’s no chance of getting lost.
“You run down and back up,” he said with a laugh.
A highlight will be when runners pass through the 1.66-mile Taft Tunnel as they make their way to the finish.
Haustein, director of the Hayden View Triathlon, said there will be red blinking lights every 100 feet throughout the tunnel. As well, runners will be given headlamps and reflective vests to put on before entering the tunnel.
“There will be light,” he said.
There will also be four aid stations on the course.
The field is capped at 100, because the Route of the Hiawatha will be open and plenty of cyclists are expected to ride.
“We don’t want to impact the trail too much,” Haustein said.
There will be individual and a team relay competitions. Finishers will get a medal, wool athletic shirt and refreshments.
Registration is available at active.com, Precision Fitness location in Coeur d’Alene and Hayden, and at Fleet Feet in Coeur d’Alene. Cost is $85 for individuals, $120 for four-person relay team.