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Choose Your Own Adventure: 2014 Race Guide

By Beacon Staff

There’s no shortage of excuses to get outdoors between now and October. It’s only a matter of picking and choosing among a long list of adventurous activities. Here are a few good reasons to stay active this spring, summer and fall.

Updated April 9

TUESDAYS
Beacon Running Club

The Beacon has founded a new club aimed at connecting the valley’s runners, walkers and other active residents. This group provides an active community platform for members and non-members alike and is open to all ranges of abilities and interests. The club’s website is a one-stop source for information on upcoming races and events. The group meets every Tuesday at the Beacon office at 17 Main St. in downtown Kalispell for a family friendly neighborhood or trail run.
Sign Up: www.flatheadbeaconrunningclub.com

April 12
Pink is KNOW OBSTACLES Race, Kalispell Athletic Club

This outdoors obstacle course features 23 adventurous challenges blended with roughly 2.5 miles of running. Supports Save a Sister Foundation.
Sign Up: www.kalispellathleticclub.net

April 19
Running Clinic, Kalispell

Hosted by Run Flathead on Aspen View Lane in Kalispell, these two informative programs are designed for all levels and experiences and aimed at helping runners improve technique and minimize injury, with form analysis, training plans and more.
Sign Up: www.runflathead.com

April 26
Eureka Rendezvous Days 5K Run/Walk

In conjunction with the annual festival in Eureka, this second annual race wraps through the Indian Springs Ranch Golf Course.Proceeds support the school’s cross country program.
Sign Up: (by April 20) getmeregistered.com or call Kim Kilroy 889-3071 or 291-7834.

April 27
Suit Yourself Fun Run, Glacier High School

Jog out the kinks with this fun second annual 5K or 10K walk or run that winds around the west side of the school and nearby Kidsports Complex. Creative attire, such as a suit and tie, is encourage. This event supports the school’s speech and debate students.
Sign Up: www.suityourselffunrun.blogspot.com

May 10
Montana Spartan Race, Bigfork

One of only two Spartan Races in the Pacific Northwest this year, this popular event returns to the rugged forest near Flathead Lake. Roughly 4,500 men and women are already registered for nearly 5 miles of muddy adventure.
Sign Up: www.spartanrace.com

May 10
Mk5k & 1-Mile Fun Run, Kalispell

This third annual event travels through Lawrence Park. Proceeds support Mary Kay Foundation.
Sign Up: Kalispell Grand Hotel

May 17
4-H 5K Fun Run and Walk, Eureka

Enjoy the outdoors in spring with this family friendly exercise that benefits the local 4-H programs in Lincoln County.
Sign Up: Blanche at 406-882-4618, Svea at 406-296-9019

May 17
Great Northern 5K Fun Run, Walk & Kids Sprint, Kalispell

Over the years, this popular family friendly event has raised a over $20,000 for the “Rails to Trails” pathway through Kalispell. The event will start in the Meridian Court Business Complex cul-de-sac, near the corner of Center St. and Meridian, and the course goes out and back along the foot path. A raffle will take place between the kids spring and the GN5K. Awards handed out after.
Sign Up: www.gn5k.com

May 18
Wag Race, Whitefish

In its fifth year, this dog-friendly event features three race options: a 10K; a 5K and a 1.5-mile fun run/walk. Races start and finish at the Hugh Rogers Dog Park, which benefits from proceeds.
Sign Up: www.flatheadbeaconrunningclub.com

May 25
Bigfork Whitewater Triathlon

In conjunction with the Whitewater Festival, this event features 4 miles of paddling on flat water, biking 14 miles and running 4 miles.
Sign Up: www.kalispellathleticclub.net

May 31
Pete’s Spring Run Off, Kalispell

This fundraiser race features a 10K, 5K and 1-mile run or walk followed by a family friendly carnival that supports Peterson Elementary School.
Sign Up: (by May 28) www.getmeregistered.com or call Meghan at 406-212-3460 or Sharon at 406-261-1626

June 8
Herron Half and 10K, Kalispell

In its third year, this challenging race is a favorite among running enthusiasts who enjoy the scenic setting and trail system at Herron Park. All proceeds benefit the Foys to Blacktail Trails organization.
Sign Up: www.runflathead.com

June 14
The Summit Classic, Kalispell

This 5K and 10K walk/jog/run is a community gathering for people of all ages and abilities to come together to test their fitness levels while enjoying a nice neighborhood run.
Sign Up: www.summithealthcenter.com

June 20
Relay for Life, Kalispell

Raise funds and awareness to save lives from cancer and pay homage to survivors by gaining pledges and walking or running around the track, either individually or as a relay team. Kalispell’s event is at Legends Stadium.
Sign Up: www.relayforlife.org

June 28
Whitefish Lake Run

A perennial favorite, this 10K and 5K is in its 38th year and sends participants around the scenic shoreline of Whitefish Lake, beginning and ending at City Beach.
Sign Up: www.sportsmanskihaus.com

June 28
Celebrate the Swan Footrace and Bike Race, Condon

The running event is in its 12th year and features a half marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-mile fun run along Forest Service roads and a separate bike race with 13-mile and 34-mile competitions. Proceeds support trails along Swan Front and wilderness.
Sign Up: www.swanecosystemcenter.org or 406-754-3137

July 11
Relay for Life, Columbia Falls

Raise funds and awareness to save lives from cancer and pay homage to survivors by gaining pledges and walking or running around the track, either individually or as a relay team.
Sign Up: www.relayforlife.org

July 12
Beacon’s Lakeside Run

This fun 10K and 5K winds through neighborhoods along the west shore of Flathead lake and benefits the Lakeside Community Club.
Sign Up:www.flatheadbeaconrunningclub.com

July 18
Relay for Life, Bigfork

Raise funds and awareness to save lives from cancer and pay homage to survivors by gaining pledges and walking or running around the track, either individually or as a relay team.
Sign Up: www.relayforlife.org

Kayaks await the water at last year’s Glacier Challenge. Beacon File Photo

July 19
Glacier Challenge, Whitefish

This beloved homegrown competition molds together some of the valley’s most popular activities into a multi-sport relay race for individuals or teams who run, bike and paddle more than 50 miles combined. In its 12th year, the event is staying put in downtown Whitefish. Proceeds benefit the Flathead Youth Home.
Sign Up: www.theglacierchallenge.com

July 19
First Montana Bank Flathead Valley Kids Triathlon, Kalispell

This event is for children ages 4-13 years of age who want to compete in a triathlon in Woodland Park
Sign Up: www.summithealthcenter.com

July 20
Columbia Falls CXC Cruise 6K

A low-key fun run that cruises through neighborhoods and city parks near the high school, this event benefits the cross country program.
Sign Up: www.runmt.com/cfxc_cruise2014.pdf or call Richard at 871-3375

July 26
Boogie to the Bank, Columbia Falls

Get your boogie on during Heritage Days. This popular 5K and 10K event takes place in the middle of Columbia Falls’ annual community festival.
Sign Up: www.cfallsheritagedays.com

July 27
Mike Spence Summit Triathlon/Duathlon, Kalispell

The triathlon includes a half-mile swim, 12.7-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run near Foys Lake. The duathlon is a 3.1-mile run and 12.7-mile bike ride.
Sign Up: www.summithealthcenter.com

Aug. 1
Relay for Life, Libby

Raise funds and awareness to save lives from cancer and pay homage to survivors by gaining pledges and walking or running around the track, either individually or as a relay team.
Sign Up: www.relayforlife.org

Aug. 2
Roodell Run, Eureka

This 11th annual community event includes a 10K run and 5K run or walk for families and friends to participate in together. Proceeds support local schools’ cross country team and a scholarship for graduating seniors.
Sign Up: (by July 26) www.getmeregistered.com or call Blanche at 406-882-4619 or 406-291-1323

Aug. 16
Epic Shore to Shore

This race dares paddlers to voyage Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the West, from the south shoreline in Polson to the northern cove of Somers.
Sign Up: www.epicshoretoshore.com

Aug. 17
Whitefish Lake Triathlon

A half-mile swim, 20K bike ride and 5K run in and around the scenic mountain lake.
Sign Up: www.kalispellathleticclub.net/races.php

Aug. 30
Whitefish Friends and Family Fun Run/Walk

This family friendly event includes a 5K, 10K and 1-mile family walk or run near Smith Fields in Whitefish that benefit the Child Development Center and Shepherd’s Hand Clinic.
Sign Up: flatheadperformancetraining.com

Sept. 7
Two Bear Marathon & Half Marathon, Whitefish

One of the more revered marathons in the region, this popular event begins outside of Whitefish and follows a challenging course through scenic trails and eventually ending at The Wave Fitness Center.
Sign Up: www.twobearmarathon.org

Sept. 13-14
Montana Dragon Boat Festival, Bigfork

Last year more than 90 teams of 20 paddlers descended on the shores of the Flathead Lake to take part in this popular event.
Sign Up: www.montana.racedragonboats.com

Sept. 20
Huckleberry 100, Kalispell

Enjoy the scenic views of fall by touring the outdoors for 100 miles, 50 miles or a short family ride.
Sign Up: www.huckleberry100.com

Sept. 28
A Run Through History, Kalispell

Take a stroll through the historic neighborhoods of town during this fifth annual 5K and 10K family friendly event.
Sign Up: www.downtownkalispell.com