A snowy slog into the new year

As far as Sandy Graf was concerned, running was a great way to start 2025. 

Being joined by her dog, Dixie, in a fundraiser for Tesh, Inc., made it even better. 

"It's wonderful, it’s snowing, it’s beautiful,” she said as they ran on the North Idaho Centennial Trail next to the Spokane River on Wednesday morning. 

Graf joked that she and her 9-year-old companion were a good team because, “we’re both old and slow." 

“She pulls me up the hills,” Graf said, laughing.

The duo was among about 135 people who participated in the 48th annual Tesh 5K Fun Run that started and ended at Atlas Waterfront Park on New Year’s Day. 

The course went along the Centennial Trail, past Riverstone Park, to the Harbor Center and back.  

Tesh Inc. is a nonprofit that helps youth and adults with disabilities develop skills so they can live independently. 

The field included some in costumes, a few serious runners, seniors holding hands and many with furry friends. 

And there were families like Ben and Allie Goheen who packed their three sons, Cole, Silas and Wyatt, into two strollers and pushed them along the slushy trail.

Both were enjoying the day, as were the kids, who even did a little running of their own. 

“They like the fresh air," Ben Goheen said. 

The mom and dad from Rathdrum referred to themselves as “holiday 5Kers,” who run when they get the chance, which isn’t often with high-energy boys. 

“As much as they let us,” Allie Goheen said. 

Aaron and Alyssa Nay of Post Falls were running with dogs Sig and Ruger setting a strong pace.

“They love it,” Alyssa Nay said, “especially in the snow. It makes them have even more energy.” 

“It’s a great way to start the year,” Aaron Nay said. 

As usual, Jeff and Jann Kinnard jogged and walked, with Jann once again wearing their daughter’s childhood penguin outfit to brighten the day even more. 

“It's great to be out here supporting Tesh, cheering for everyone,” Jann Kinnard said. 

    Ben and Allie Goheen push their three sons in two strollers during the Tesh 5K Fun Run on Wednesday.
  

    Volunteer Richard Jurvelin greets runners with a smile at the halfway point of the Tesh 5K Fun Run on Wednesday.
  

    Sandy Graf and Dixie join the Tesh 5K Fun Run on Wednesday.
  

    Friends, from left, Theresa Dewit, Danielle Evans and Theresa Moran share some laughs during the Tesh 5K Fun Run on New Year's Day.
  

    Aaron Nay and Sig lead the way for some runners in the Tesh 5K Fun Run.