Like many local running events, the Sams Valley Mini Marathon was side-lined by the pandemic. But, after an 18-month hiatus, it recently roared back to life. This year’s event was won by CPE’s Ryder White in a time of 20:50.52. Henry Davenport also medaled, and Pablo Gonzalaz, Chase Austin, and Ashton Hollon all contributed to CPE’s team victory. The girls’ race was won by CPE’s Ava Ontiveros, while Autzen Ostroskie, Ava Smith, Landrie Miller, Zoey Miller, Esly Pilar-Ibarra, and Lily Barsalou all placed in the top ten. 

The Mini was established in 1974, making it among the oldest distance races in Oregon, and with nearly 800 annual participants–the entire population of 4th and 5th graders in the Central Point School District, it’s also one of the largest. Special thanks to our sponsor and community partner, West Orthodontics of Medford. Additional thanks to Jamba of Medford, First Student, Grizzly Peak Timing, and the Jackson County Sherriff’s Department.