Run for the green
<p>Runners in green make their way on the course of the Leprechaun Scurry on Sunday. About 200 people and a few dogs competed in the 3-mile race that started and finished at Lake City High School.</p>
<p>Friends Melanie Simpson, left, Judy Hirschkorn, center, and Susan Cliff are dressed for fun in Sunday's Leprechaun Scurry.</p>
<p>Kristine Miller of Coeur d'Alene runs to the finish line of Sunday's Leprechaun Scurry.</p>
<p>Garrett Zohner of Coeur d'Alene is on his way to winning the 3-mile Leprechaun Scurry on Sunday.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - Melanie Simpson loved running.
Then, she injured her right knee in last year's Spring Dash in Coeur d'Alene and had surgery to repair a torn miniscus.
"So now, I love walking," the Coeur d'Alene woman said as she did just that with friends Judy Hirschkorn and Susan Cliff in Sunday's Leprechaun Scurry.
Each member of the trio was decked out in green - jester hats, beads and bowties - and each was smiling and joking as they enjoyed the 3-mile fun run despite a shivery 30 degrees and strong wind.
"It's just an excuse to get together with the girls and chat," said Hirschkorn, from Rathdrum, a 20-time Leprechaun Scurry finisher.
Around 200 walkers and runners participated in the 23rd annual Leprechaun Scurry, a fundraiser for the Lake City High School cross country program.
Although St. Patrick's Day is still three weeks away, many seemed to be feeling the spirit of the Irish as they donned green hats, green socks, green shirts, green wigs, green shoes, green skirts and green necklaces.
Garrett Zohner of Coeur d'Alene topped the men's field in 17 minutes, 26 seconds, while Lori Buratto of Veradale, Wash., was the first woman, finishing in 19:15. Each received a $50 gift certificate to Fleet Feet in downtown Coeur d'Alene.
The top local woman was 25-year-old Melissa Hjeltness of Post Falls in 22:14.
The 28-year-old Zohner is the grandson of Donna Messenger, retired Coeur d'Alene and Lake City coach and teacher and also a founder of the Leprechaun Scurry.
Messenger, who is coaching her grandson as he prepares for the Boston Marathon in April, was impressed with his victory.
"It's awesome," she said. "He ran really well."
Zohner took the lead about halfway through the double-loop course, holding off Justin Taylor, 37, Coeur d'Alene, who was second in 17:48.
"I picked it up a little bit after the first mile because it felt good and I kind of wanted to see if I could win it," Zohner said.
He and his wife, Krystal, who placed third in her 30-39 age group, are wildland firefighters spending the winter at the Messenger home.
"He's been training so hard," Donna Messenger said. "His Boston plans are coming along great."
Rookies found the Scurry to their liking, too.
Kristine Miller, wearing this year's race T-shirt, "Keep Calm and Scurry On, ran it for the first time.
"It's a great way to start a Sunday morning," the Coeur d'Alene woman said.
Simpson had a great time, too.
Her recovery from knee surgery went well. She completed the 5-mile Hangover Handicap on New Year's Day, and is looking forward to the Spring Dash and Bloomsday, where she'll be joined by Hirschkorn and Cliff.
"I feel fine, the knee felt good," Simpson said.
Hirschkorn nodded and grinned in agreement. "Feeling great for an old broad," she said.
"She's young at heart," responded a laughing Simpson.
Runners were treated to bagpipe music, refreshments and prizes afterward, with division winners earning gold medals.