From Barry James

Kennewick’s Bill Leahy aptly described the Tri-Cities’ longstanding Cable Bridge Run a few years ago. Leahy, a living and local legend among master’s division runners, coined the phrase for the event: “Good friends meet at the Cable Bridge Run.” As the foot race continues to draw the largest field of runners in the Tri-Cities area (over 2,000 participated on December 22), the holiday event has taken on a life of its own during its 29 year history.

2007’s race was particularly moving for the James family. This year marked my first Cable Bridge Run in three years as I took a hiatus in 2005 and 2006 while recovering from liver cancer and surgery. So this year, being able to hang out and catch up with former coaches, teammates, friends and battle against high school rivals from yesteryear was especially fun for me. It was also nice to share of my recovery from recent health ‘adventures.” For my wife, Sarah, competing in her first Cable Bridge Run was memorable, too. She ran well and gets better with each race!

Not only does the Cable Bridge Run feature a reunion of family and friends, it’s also an event rich with tradition. For some runners, the notion of drinking hot Dr. Pepper and other soft drinks at the end of a race might not sound too appealing. But for many local harriers, such beverages served at the finish inside a warehouse in Pasco can mean only one thing: the Tri-Cities’ annual Cable Bridge Run.

Unfortunately, one longstanding tradition came to a screeching halt this year. One of my enduring memories of the race always featured Santa Claus perched on top of a platform, suspended some 50 feet or so in the air by a crane. With a ceremonious whoop and a yell and wave from the big man’s hand, Father Christmas himself would blast a shotgun to signify the start of the race. For 28 years it has started like this. And, for 28 years, local runners grew accustomed to Santa’s legendary role in the event.

This year, however, the unthinkable happened. Apparently the sight of jolly old St. Nick wielding and firing a shotgun was offensive to some participants, so he was stripped his right to bear arms. A more ‘politically correct’ alternative was developed and this year’s Santa waved a big orange flag and yelled “GO!” to signify the beginning of the winter race for the two thousand runners. It was kinda lame if you ask me.

However, when I look back at the 2007 Cable Bride Run, the breach of tradition did not at all detract from another extremely well-organized race put on by Pasco’s Park and Recreation Department. For me, running with more than 2,000 of our slow-twitch brethren and reuniting with old friends created wonderful memories.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s 30^th Annual Cable Bridge Run!

Local Female 5k Results

13-19 Time Place Overall Age Group

Brittney Sanchez

22:56

90

5^th

30-39 Time Place Overall Age Group

Angie Seller

35:53

782

71^st

40-49 Time Place Overall Age Group

Sarah James

30:53

521

26^th

Local Male 5k Results

12 and Under Time Place Overall Age Group

Justin Hemp	30:42	514	15^th (10 years old J)
Jordan Hemp	34:29	735	23^rd (10 years old J)

30-39 Time Place Overall Age Group

Barry James	19:26	19	4^th
Larry Alvarado	31:53	579	56^th

40-49 Time Place Overall Age Group

Jeff Hemp

34:29

734

68^th

50-59 Time Place Overall Age Group

Mark Krueger	21:53	53^rd	4^th
Gary Gefre	25:29	191^st	14^th

Local Female 10k Results

40-49 Time Place Overall Age Group

Jill Banister

42:42

37

2^nd

Local Male 10k Results

40-49 Time Place Overall Age Group

Clifford Banister	38:44	15	6^th
Steven Dorias	47:51	93	10^th