Boston, Mass. – A half dozen runners with ties to Crook County — including four current Prineville residents and one from Powell Butte — will take part in the prestigious Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21. The race is among the world’s most elite running events, and qualifying is a notable achievement for any distance runner.
Among those making the trip east is Colby Lundstrom, a Crook County native who now lives in Kennewick, Washington, according to registration information from the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). Lundstrom will join fellow Crook County residents James Blanchard (55), Orie Gonzales (36), Samuel Morris (41), and Mykle Whiting (38), all current residents of Prineville. Representing Powell Butte is 23-year-old Kelsey Gripekoven.
All six earned their way into the 129th running of the Boston Marathon by meeting rigorous qualifying standards based on age and gender — standards that become increasingly competitive each year. For the 2025 race, not only did applicants need to meet the time standards, they had to beat them by at least 6 minutes and 51 seconds due to overwhelming demand. More than 36,000 runners applied, and approximately 24,000 were accepted, according to the BAA.
“This amazing man has qualified for this Boston Marathon!! You’re going to kill it Colby!,” said Jessica Davis Jones of Powell Butte on Facebook
Prineville’s Blanchard is also working to earn his Six Star Medal by running and quliafying for the six Abbott World Marathon Major races as part of the Six Star Journey. The Six Star Medal was introduced by the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2016 to honor the runners who complete the original six Major Marathons, according to its website.
“We are very proud of James on his Abbot Majors 6 Star journey,” said James’ wife, Beth Blanchard, in speaking with the Prineville Review.
The Boston Marathon, held annually on Patriots’ Day, is the oldest continuously run marathon in the world. It first began in 1897 and has since become one of the most iconic long-distance races globally. Its 26.2-mile course, stretching from Hopkinton to downtown Boston, is known for its challenging hills and energetic crowds.
The race also carries a somber legacy. In 2013, the Boston Marathon was the target of a terrorist bombing near the finish line, killing three people and injuring hundreds more. The tragedy deeply impacted the city and running community, but the event has endured and thrived, becoming a symbol of strength and unity.
With representation from across Crook County, this year’s race will include a strong showing from Central Oregon as well. Countless other runners were reportedly registered from other areas of Central Oregon, including at least 18 from Deschutes County.
Note: This story was updated very shortly following initial publication to include additional details about Blanchard and to included a photro provided to us.
