After 411-Miler, Runner Wins Short One In Tunnel

On the heels of completing a 411-mile, monthlong mission to publicize the plight of his timber industry-dependent town, Raymond McClanahan of Forks powered to victory in yesterday's inaugural Tunnel Run through downtown Seattle

``The trip really got me in shape,'' said McClanahan, who ran from Deming to Portland.

McClanahan, who ran the 800 meters as a collegian at Liberty University in Virginia, took over in the last mile. He pulled away from David Mays, winner of July's Shore Run, and finished in 28:48, 12 seconds ahead of Mays.

The course distance, which seemed to change daily, was announced to be 5.67 miles before the race.

Though the race's distance might have been an unknown, the route through the recently completed bus tunnel was an opportunity most runners enjoyed.

``I think it's better for running than for the Metro buses,'' Mays said. ``It was like running in a dream, or a nightmare. I guess if you're going to break in the tunnel, this is the way to do it.''

More than 3,000 people participated in the Teddy Bear Patrol Walk held in conjunction with the run.