River runs fast at state fair

As their first road trip, the Republican River Runners traveled to Grand Island to compete in the half-marathon held in conjunction with the Nebraska State Fair recently. McCook area runners taking part in the race at G.I. were, from left, Ben Anderson, Troy Swartz, Allison Jonasen, Martha Roe, Ray Chmiel, Stacy Priebe and Rob Stamm. The team featured first, second and third-place finishers in a half-marathon.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - Republican River Runners, the new McCook area running club, established a state-wide reputation during half-marathon competition Aug. 27 during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.

The runners from Mc- Cook made a name for themselves by placing first, second and third in the 45-to-49 year old age group.

Stacy Priebe, the club president, took first; Rob Stamm placed second, and Troy Swartz, club vice president, placed third in the half-marathon, which is 13 miles and 142.5 yards in length.

Other Republican River Runner members from McCook who competed in Grand Island were Ben Anderson, Ray Chmiel, Martha Roe and Allison Jonasen.

The McCook area was also represented by Marv Metzer, Cora Berry, Jessica Wilcox and Sarah Schilling.

The half marathon marked a step-up in activity for the Republican River Runners.

The club was organized in December of 2015 and members have been meeting on a quarterly basis ever since.

Now up to 44, the group is still actively seeking new members.

Those interested in becoming members are encouraged to call Priebe at 308-340-2610 or go to the group's website, www.republicanriver-runners.com, for more information.

Upcoming activities for the Republican River Runners include a membership meeting, scheduled on Monday at AmFirst Bank, beginning at 7 p.m., and a Hike & Bike Trail clean-up scheduled Saturday, Sept. 17, beginning at 9 a.m.

The trail now extends from 11th street on the southeast, to the McCook Community College Pete and Delores Graff Event Center.

"The club also will be a resource for runners, helping them prepare for a wide variety of running events, including 5 K's, 10 K's, half marathons and full marathons," Priebe said.