Jamie Glenn/Daily Mining Gazette Houghton’s Mark Ousdigian checks his watch as he closes in on the finish line of the Thatcher Markham Memorial 5K Run.

HOUGHTON — The Thatcher Markham Memorial Run started in Hancock and ended in Houghton prior to the 2019 bridgefest pride began. Just over 400 participants from near and far gathered to take part in the race.

“I think it was a great event,” said race director Ryan Towles. “I think everything went off really really well. No one got off course and everyone had a great time and the weather was great. I’m really happy.”

“We had over 400 (who ran) the race today. Last year, we only had 107 people, so it’s a big jump.”

Towles was not expecting such a large interest despite the changing the race name and turning the event into a bit of a memorial to the young man who passed away during the Father’s Day flood last year.

“It was overwhelming,” said Towles. “It was a bigger response then I could’ve possibly imagined. I’m so happy. I’m just glad that everybody came out and had a great time.

“I think the reason the race was so much bigger this year is because it was the Thatcher Markham Memorial Run, and it’s just awesome to see how this community gets behind something like that (with) 100%. It’s just great to see.”

Event volunteer coordinator Trina Sintkowski helped gather help before the race and was happy to see the community come together in strides.

“I helped out with volunteers and I also volunteer and work with 31 Backpacks, where (the race) proceeds are going to, and Thatcher (Markham) also played hockey in the same organization as my son did,” she said. “We started it last year (as) a fun idea to run in front of the parade, across the bridge, that’s not something that (racers) get to do often.

“After last year’s tragedy and everything that happened in our area, they decided to rename it the Thatcher Markham Memorial Run. The proceeds go to 31 Backpacks that helps out local kids in the area that don’t necessarily have food to eat on the weekends.”

Having the run cross the bridge, which is a symbol for the entire community, was a no-brainer for the race organizers, especially during Bridgefest weekend.

“The bridge brings us (together) as a whole community and it always has,” said Sintkowski. “With last year and what happened (to) Thatcher, I just think it makes it all that more important that our community is a lot stronger. We pick up and help when needed.”

A native of Shoreview, Minnesota, Mark Ousdigian, who makes his home in Houghton, took first place in the race with a time of 16:46.0.

“I’m up here this summer and I’m member of the cross country ski team, so me and some of my teammates decided to come and do this race for some fun races,” he said. “I’ve been training since my freshman year of high school, just running and skiing year round, so pretty much since then.

“This summer, we’ve been doing a lot of running and roller skiing, so that was all good preparation for this. It’s really cool to be running through downtown Hancock and Houghton and it’s also pretty fun getting to run on the streets. It’s also pretty much an all downhill race, which makes it pretty fast and fun.”

A native of Syracuse, New York, and also a member of the nordic ski team, Eric Houck, who is also living in Houghton currently, took second place overall with a finish of 17:10.0.

“I’m in town for the summer working on a project in the MEEM, and I saw the posters everywhere and some friends of mine were doing it and it sounded like a fun event,” he said. “I wanted to jump in.

“Definitely, the clouds rolling in (and a) low 60s temperature (made) it definitely good weather for running. It’s sometimes a little chilly if you’re just walking around, but it’s perfect for running.”

Chassell native Lela Rautiola Rautiola finished first in her age group and 20th overall with a time of 20:59.0. She compared the difference from that of a high school track event.

“(This race is) less pressure for sure,” she said. “I feel like I just look at it as just more of a fun thing. It’s just kind of nice signing up for these kinds of races. I signed up last minute not knowing if it would work and I’m glad I did it. The fact that it’s for Thatcher, he’s my cousin so it meant a lot for me too.

“I didn’t expect this many people to be running it, so it’s awesome to see people of all ages running against you. Unlike high school races, (here) I see big families and adults. It’s pretty awesome.”

Michele Reinke of Mount Pleasant is a second year participant of the event and broke a personal record with a time of 21:54.0, second place in her age group and 23rd overall.

“Last year I ran this before it was dedicated to Thatcher,” she said. “I got a personal record last year and I just beat that today, so I PR’d again. It’s such an easy course to run with all the downhills on it so, good course, good day, good results.

“I’ve been training for the last few weeks, (just) coming out of track season with my friends on the trails, but I’ve been running for so long that it’s just kind of in my veins. The difference (in racers) from last year to this year is so amazing. People showing up and (giving) support is amazing to see how communities come together for something like this.”