RUNNING FREE

Running, it seems, has always been a part of Erik Peterson's life.

The 2009 Bingham High graduate was on the cross-country and track and field teams. But his love of running was almost taken away from him by a painful blood circulation problem in his lower legs.

During his junior year at Bingham, Peterson was diagnosed with Popliteal Entrapment — a problem that prevented normal blood flow below his knees and that worsened during exercise such as running.

Several surgeries later, Peterson is still running and running well.

He was part of Bingham's 4x400 relay state championship team and placed sixth in the individual 400-meter race.

This weekend, he'll join friends on the Wasatch Back and celebrate the fact he is able to do that which is among his favorite things to do — run.

DOWN, BUT NOT OUT

As part of the 2008 Ragnar Relay support staff, Christian Nielsen helped runners navigate the long trails of the Wasatch backcountry.

This year, there will be runners hitting those trails with him in mind.

Nielsen and his wife, Stephanie, were involved in a plane crash just two months after last year's race, and both suffered significant injuries — Stephanie was burned on more than 80 percent of her body — and the family has seen upheaval since the accident.

In order to better combine rehabilitation and family life, the Nielsens sold their Arizona home and moved to Utah, where aunts, uncles and other family members were on hand to assist with the couple's children.

Team Run for Nie, along with the family's journey through rehab, is being chronicled at nieniedialogues.blogspot.com.

FOUR-LEAF RUNNERS

The four-leaf clover is a simple of hope, optimism and good luck for many. Few have used the charm quite like Jared Willis, though.

Willis was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 14. Thought to be inoperable, the tumor was a part of Willis' life for more than four years, as he underwent various treatments to slow the growth of the disease.

Depsite the tumor, Willis registered as part of a team to run in this year's Ragnar Relay. But when the tumor took a rapid growth spurt early this year, the laminated clovers Willis gave to other patients as a symbol of hope were needed in his own behalf.

A risky operation was recommended and the tumor was carefully removed.

His hopes to run along the Wasatch Back, however, were put on hold. Still, Team J.A.R.E.D. lives on and friends will run in his honor as he recovers.

E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com

Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back

June 19-20

Starting Line: Merlin Olsen Park, Logan

Finish Line: Quinn's Recreation Complex, Park City

Distance: 188 miles

Info: RangarRelay.com