American Rift Valley article at dyestat.com

With Lakeside High School's boys cross country state championship fresh in mind, combined with the GSL 3A North Central's rise to a US #1 ranking and subsequent dominating 3A state championship win, it would be a good time to reflect on the overall "running culture" that has developed over the last several decades in the greater Spokane area:

From dyestat.com, the premier on-line home of high school xc and track & field:

For decades, Spokane, Washington has been known as a hotbed of American distance running. From Olympic-level competitors to high school cross country dynasties, Spokane has produced a steady stream of top-shelf talent since the days of Gerry Lindgren. So strong have the boys teams, in particular, been over the years, that Spokane has earned the nickname of "American Rift Valley" in certain circles. How to explain the persistent, deep, constantly replenishing pool of talent from this one mid-sized city, tucked away in a corner of the country?

Dyestat's assistant editor Dave Devine at dyestat.com interviews the most noteable names in the history of local high school running. A very interesting 2-part article; read it here:

Part 1 - American Rift Valley

Part 2 - Fraternity of Competitors