Spring Dash draws 1,000 runners, raises funds for ALICE households

About 1,000 runners and walkers turned McEuen Park and the Sanders Beach neighborhood into one of Coeur d’Alene’s busiest race-day scenes Saturday, as the annual Spring Dash once again sent locals and visitors onto the North Idaho Centennial Trail beside Lake Coeur d’Alene.

The event featured a Tot Trot, 5K, 10K and half marathon, with all races starting and finishing at McEuen Park. The longer courses traced a scenic route along the lakeshore, a layout that has helped make the Spring Dash a spring tradition since 1982 and a kickoff to running season in the Inland Northwest. United Way of North Idaho said the event typically draws about 1,200 participants, and its 10K remains a second-seed qualifier for Bloomsday.

Race results gave the morning a competitive edge. Matthew Roberts won the men’s 5K, while Jillian Jackson finished first among women in the 5K. Zachary Kness won the men’s 10K and Hayley Roth won the women’s 10K. In the half marathon, Ethan Hocket took the men’s title and Amanda Teal won the women’s race.

But the fundraiser mattered far beyond finish times. Spring Dash supports United Way of North Idaho’s work with ALICE households, families that are asset limited, income constrained and employed. United Way says those households earn above the federal poverty level but still cannot cover basic costs where they live. Its ALICE page says 49% of North Idaho households are walking a financial tightrope, while United For ALICE’s 2025 Idaho report puts the statewide share below the ALICE threshold at 41% in 2023.

That scale gives the race a direct economic purpose in Kootenai County. United Way of North Idaho said Negative Split covered the first 100 Tot Trot entries for children in ALICE families receiving childcare scholarships, tying the family-friendly side of the event to a need that reaches deep into local budgets. Returning sponsors included Kootenai Health, The Coeur d’Alene Press and Idaho Central Credit Union, reflecting the community base that keeps the fundraiser running.

The organization says it has awarded $685,777 in Community Care Funds since 2020, with the fund itself dating to 1957. For Coeur d’Alene, Spring Dash is more than a run through blooming trees and lakefront views; it is a recurring reminder that a popular race day can also help steady households one unexpected bill away from financial strain.