July 29, 2009

BIGFORK VALLEY NEWS RELEASE

BIGFORK VALLEY CHALLENGE RUN ADDS HALF MARATHON

It's a crisp fall morning. The colors are just starting to turn. The registration area for the Bigfork Valley Challenge at Kocian's Family Market in Bigfork is stirring with runners and walkers. Shortly they will board a shuttle bus for the race starting line at the end of the scenic Jingo Lake Road that winds 4.5 miles through the Chippewa National Forest.

This year there will be an additional starting line and a new event. At 7:30 a.m. endurance runners will start from the registration area to run along Scenic Highway 7, Farm Camp Road, part of the Marcell snowmobile trail and the Jingo Lake Road. It's 13.1 miles; a half marathon. Not only will it follow scenic roadways, but it also will be run on three different terrains: pavement, gravel road and grass trail.

The half marathon will join the 4.5 mile competitive run and the three mile walk/run that draws participants from across the region. Runners and walkers may register online, by mailed form available at www.bigforkvalley.org (click on Challenge Race) or (218) 743-4249, or at the registration table on race day between 7-8:30 a.m. Half marathoners are asked to preregister.

The half marathon will begin at the registration area. Other runners and walkers will be shuttled to and from the race course. At registration, participants pick up t-shirts, race bibs and enjoy coffee, muffins and doughnuts. At the finish line, participants can enjoy music, ice cream, frozen yogurt, cookies and bananas, as well as the race and door prize announcements.

To guarantee a shirt and medal and receive an earlybird discount, the registration form should be received by Monday, Aug. 31. This year the race shirt is a full color short-sleeved technical running shirt.

For more information, contact Stephanie Martin at (218) 246-8765 or Sally Sedgwick at (218) 743-4249.