RUN MONTANA BLOG

Looking for Road Runners Club of America Club Photos

2009-10-05T15:01:00.002-06:00

Hello RRCA Runners:

We are looking for some great photos of group running clubs around the country. These can be photos of groups running or participating in club social activities. We don’t need any more race photos, however. These will be used in upcoming issues of Club Running, Inside Track and/or Footnotes, and your club will get credit for the photos in the publications. Please forward photos to me at membership@rrca.org.

That’s it for now! As always, feel free to email with questions.

Best,

Eve Mills

Director of Membership and Program Services

www.RRCA.org

Valley Journal Marathon is Sept. 5

2009-09-04T17:10:00.002-06:00

Join the fun for a little jog from Ronan to Polson on Saturday, Sept. 5 in the second annual Valley Journal Marathon. A half-marathon will also be run, also finishing in Polson.

The 26.2-mile marathon course begins at the north stoplight in Ronan (U.S. 93 and Terrace Lake Road) and heads northwest through the North Crow area before joining up with the bike/walking path along U.S. 93 and heading up to Polson, where it finishes at Riverside Park. The 13.1-mile half-marathon follows the last half of the marathon course, beginning at the intersection of Minesinger Trail and Mountain View Road and also finishing at Riverside Park.

The marathon starts early, at 6 a.m., while the half-marathon begins at 8:30. Rides will be available from Riverside Park to the starting lines, so park your vehicles at Riverside Park, located next to the Polson Bridge. The last shuttle rides will leave the park at 5:20 a.m. for the marathon and 7:50 a.m. for the half-marathon. If you go in a personal vehicle, we recommend someone drop you off and return the vehicle to Riverside Park.

To download a registration form, visit www.valleyjournal.net/marathon.pdf but also call 676-8989 and let us know your registration is on the way. Otherwise, late registration will be accepted at Riverside Park from 5-5:20 a.m. for the marathon and 7-7:50 a.m. for the half-marathon. Cost is $50 for the marathon and $35 for the half-marathon.

A t-shirt and post-race snacks come with the price of admission. You'll also earn the priceless respect of all those other people you know who can't imagine running that far.

We'd love to have you come join our fun run, regardless of your ability or split times — but please make sure you are healthy enough and in good enough shape to handle these distances. This is all about getting out and enjoying the beauty of the Mission Valley in a healthy way that sorta pays forward some indirect carbon sequestration. We don't guarantee the weather, but we do guarantee that you'll be slimmer, better looking and your children will be better behaved after you finish the race. If you don't agree, we ask that you run the course again just to make sure. If that doesn't work, we'll void the guarantee.For more information, call 676-8989. To view the course map, visit www.valleyjournal.net/images/marathonmap2009.jpg

Above article copied from http://www.valleyjournal.net/

Livingston - Friday Nite - August 21, 2009,

2009-08-18T11:14:00.003-06:00

Night Owl Run • Livingston, New this year: Livingston's only Night Owl run/walk at 8 pm!!. Approximately a four mile course on paved roads and some trail. This is a fun run/walk that will begin and end at the livingston depot, with a festive after party at the Owl Lounge for those of age. This year (we hope to continue every year) the funds will be donated to the Livingston Community Gardens. For your registration fee of $20 you will receive entry, a t-shirt, a keepsake mug, a token for a free beer to fill your vessel, and some glow in the dark bling. Race day registration will be $25. Packet pick up will be at the Owl Lounge from 6-7:30 pm the day of the race. Prizes will be awarded for top three females and males, and for the best owl costume!! Any questions email kristenwester@hotmail.com Download application: www.runmt.com/NiteOwlRun.pdf

check out the map of race course www.runmt.com/NiteOwlRunMap.pdf

Sept. 19th, 2009 "Are You Tuff Enough"

2009-08-13T12:49:00.003-06:00

Show some spirit and have some fun
all in honor of Sydney Rae Cutler. To
learn about this beautiful 9-year-old
cowgirl and read her story visit
www.caringbridge.org/visit/Syd.

The proud location for the “Are
You Tuff Enough” event is the
Marshall Creek Ranch, located 4 miles
northwest of Philipsburg on Hwy
348 toward Rock Creek. Participants
will be burning rubber and enjoying a
scenic, mountainous, 5-mile trail giving
you lots of variety along the way.

The loop will have a little bit of open
meadow, a little bit of old road, a lot
of narrow cow trails, some wetland, a
little bit of steep and to finish it off, a
downhill stretch. So gather your teams
and bring your family, friends and
neighbors or just show up with your
game on.

The fun doesn’t end after the race
event, stick around and catch the other
festivities taking place for Sydney Rae.
A team roping at the Angel’s Nest
Ranch on the Skalkaho Road will be
taking place all day long. Then head
to the fire station for an enormous
feast and a huge live auction with big
time items will be auctioned off. You
can wrap up your evening by staying
at any of the Philipsburg’s hotels or
campgrounds. A list of these facilities
is included on the entry form.

We are asking participants to PREREGISTER
this event by FRIDAY,
SEPTEMBER 4 to help us be more
organized and to make things run
more smoothly on event day. For
entry forms,waivers, rules and other
specifics: http://www.pintlarterritories.com/

Aug. 22nd, Quality of Life Run update

2009-08-13T11:49:00.001-06:00

Hello All,

Just a friendly reminder that the deadline for early registration for the QOL Run is this Friday..You will still be able to register after but with an extra fee. Again this is a 2 mile run/walk and a 5 mile run. It is August 22nd at 8am..

All proceeds will goto Special K Ranch so we hope for a great turn out.

Due to road construction the 5 mile course has been changed. It will begin at Boulder School. A New map and on-line registration is at www.qualityofliferun.com

As always we try to make our awards and race bags unique. This year we are going green with reusable grocery bags..Additional bags can be purchased for $5..They are nice. The awards this year will be a surprise but also go with the green theme.

I encourage each of you to get registered.. Please contact me with any questions. AngelaAngela Klein-Hughes

A Haus of Realty http://www.angelakleinhughes.com 406-860-5653

Madison Marathon A High Flying Success

2009-08-04T13:41:00.005-06:00

August 4, 2009

Madison Marathon A High Flying Success

High above the rest of Montana on the Gravelly Range Road in the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest, the Madison Marathon successfully concluded its second annual race on Sunday, August 2, 2009. More than 50 runners participated in the event billed as the highest road marathon in America. The starting line, at the base of Black Butte Mountain, was at nearly 9,200 feet in elevation and runners peaked at 9,600 feet before finishing at Clover Meadows at an elevation of 8,550 feet. The entire race was run on a good quality gravel road along the top of the Gravelly Range.

Eric Huff from Sheridan Montana and Leah Vogel from Bozeman Montana won the men’s and women’s full marathon event. They both won mid-week season ski passes at Moonlight Basin Ski Resort.

David Gregory from Cameron and Diane Horne from Bozeman won the men’s and women’s half marathon event. They each won $100 gift certificates from Moonlight Basin.

The Team Marathon champions were Christie Cox, CJ Cox, and Tim Hansen from Silver Star. They won a $100 BBQ Box from Montana Black.

The Madison Marathon is a project of the Madison County Economic Development Council. This year The Council teamed with Moonlight Basin to produce the event. They worked with the US Forest Service in Ennis to host the entire event.

“This was a great event,” said Sam Korsmoe, race director of the Madison Marathon and the executive director of the Madison County Economic Development Council. “We had an excellent sponsor in Moonlight Basin. We also had a superb volunteer group who manned the food and water stations, drove shuttle vehicles, cooked food, cheered runners on, and generally made the event work.”

Korsmoe said the race was a logistical perfect storm of sorts since the race course starts near Black Butte Mountain which aside from being at 9,200 feet is more than one hour’s drive from Highway 287. Though the road was in good shape, everything for the race had to be hauled up and taken down by a host volunteers. The Madison Marathon will be an annual event says Korsmoe who has a goal of capping out the race at 200 runners within five years as well as attracting professional marathoners and major universities to run the race because they will need high altitude training races to prepare for major events across the country as well as internationally.

The date for next year’s event has not been announced, but it will most likely be in late July says Korsmoe. Interested runners are encouraged to keep track via The Council’s website at http://www.madcoedc.org/ as well as other running sites such as http://www.runmt.com/ and http://www.active.com/. For more information on the race and the plans for next year, please call 406-682-592.

2009 Madison Marathon results: www.runmt.com/09MadisonMarathonResults.pdf

August 8, 2009, 31st First Security Bozeman Classic

2009-08-02T09:36:00.006-06:00

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August 8, 2009, Saturday

31st First Security Bozeman Classic • Bozeman,

5 and 10 K, The 10 K will start at 7:15 am and the 5 K at 7:25. This is the Race for Everyone. The 10K race will be the RRCA Montana State Championship. We also encourage all levels of runners and walkers. Strollers are allowed in the 5K. Online registration at Active.com until August 5th at 10 pm. Registration online is $8 until July 21st and $10 after. You may also register by mail if it is received before August 1. Fees are $10 to register by mail or in person. Fees go up to $15 on the day before the race.

Packet pick up and in-person registration will be on August 5,6 & 7th from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the 19th St. First Security Bank. There is no race day registration! Packets may be also be picked up at the start area from 6:00 to 6:45 AM on race day. The BSWD registers the children for the Sweet Pea Children's 1K Run. The entrants in the Children's Run may enter by mail or in person. There is no online registration for the Children's Run. Co- Race director : Jenna Fallaw: jenna_grimm@hotmail.com Website: http://www.windrinkers.org/

Valley Journal Marathon

2009-07-25T08:51:00.001-06:00

Hi all,

Thought you all may want to see the route, plus spread the word around about the Valley Journal Marathon and half-marathon, which takes place Sept. 5, 2009. This year's marathon will start in Ronan and finish in Polson, after winding through the North Crow and other scenic sections along the Mission Mountains. The half-marathon will start halfway through the course. Both races will finish at Riverside Park in Polson, next to the bridge over the Flathead River.

Here's a link to the map for the marathon. (The half-marathon will start at the corner of Minesinger and Mountain View Rd.) If you have problems pulling this link up, let me know, okay? MapMyRun software let's you zoom in and look at details of the course, plus it will show you the elevation.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/MT/Polson/726124801017613328

Folks can also see/download the registration form at http://www.valleyjournal.net/marathon.pdf

Take good care,

Jim Blow

Valley Journal

Run the 'Highest Marathon in America' in Southwest Montana

2009-07-15T10:48:00.002-06:00

Dear Runners, Marathoners, Nature lovers, Healthy People, and those who love nothing more than a true challenge,

This is a cold email so forgive me, but it is to tell you about an incredible race. This coming August 2, which is a Sunday, we will be hosting the 2nd annual Madison Marathon. This is the Highest Marathon in America. The starting line is at 9,160 feet, the course peaks out at almost 9,600 feet, and the finish line is at 8,550 feet. There are full marathon, half marathon, and team marathon (four runners) options for interested runners. Imagine how you would feel after finishing the highest marathon in America.

The Madison is entirely a road marathon (not a trail run). It is run on a good quality gravel road along the Gravelly Range in the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest in Madison County, Montana.

To learn more about the race, go to our website at http://www.madcoedc.org/ or go to our registration page on active.com at http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1745389

Read some reviews from last year’s runners. If you want more information, send me an email and I’ll send your our runner’s information packet. It describes the race in great detail.

I hope you will consider signing up to run this race. I can guarantee you that you will be glad you did.
Thanks and have a great summer.

Sam Korsmoe
Executive Director
Madison County Economic Development Council Inc.
PO Box 365
Virginia City, MT 59755
Tel: 406-682-5923
Fax: 406-682-4564
Cell: 406-570-4531
Email: info@madcoedc.org
Website: www.madcoedc.org

Racers Wanted

2009-06-24T10:41:00.001-06:00

Racers, get set and mark your calendar for July 18th. The annual Lakeside 5k run is scheduled for Saturday July 18th in conjunction with the Lakeside Fair. The race will again start and finish at the Flathead Bank of Lakeside. Check-in time begins at 7:45 a.m. with the race start at 9:00 a.m. sharp.

There will be 9 age categories for men and women, boys and girls. Returning this year is a stroller category for racers pushing tots in wheeled strollers. Registrations received prior to July 1 are eligible for a $100 drawing.

The course is mostly level with outstanding views of Flathead Lake. First, second and third place ribbons will be awarded at the conclusion. Participants will want to check the results board for door prizes of local gift certificates. After the race, participants can enjoy the activities and entertainment of the Lakeside Fair held at the Lakeside Elementary school. Proceeds from the race and the fair go to the Lakeside Community Club, a local charitable organization.

Pre-registration through July 16 is $10, including a T-Shirt. Late registration on race day is $15. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registrants. Registration forms are available at the Lakeside Gym, Kalispell Athletic Club, Athletes Foot and The Summit. For more information or a registration form, please contact Muffie Thomson at 844-3940 or mthomson@flatheadbank.com.

Entry Form: www.runmt.com/2009Lakeside.pdf

The Madison - The Highest Marathon in America Runs Again

2009-06-21T20:06:00.001-06:00

Madison County will host the 2nd Annual Madison Marathon on Sunday, August 2, 2009.

Just like the inaugural run in 2008, The Madison will feature full, half, and team marathon road races through the Gravelly Mountains in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in Southwest Montana. It will be the highest road marathon in America with a starting line at 9,160 feet and a race course that peaks out at 9,587 feet and finishes at 8,550 feet in elevation entirely on a good quality dirt road.

“We had a fantastic race last year even though it was our first attempt and quite honestly we were totally winging it. All the runners said the route was amazing and all of them said they would run the race again,” said Sam Korsmoe, Race Director for The Madison and the executive director of the Madison County Economic Development Council (MCEDC), the nonprofit organization that is managing the marathon.

Last year’s race was held over Labor Day Weekend. Korsmoe moved up this year’s race to August 2nd to have a better chance at good weather and to fit in better with other races in the region as well as for aesthetic reasons. “The wildflowers should still be in bloom in early August and so that mixed with the beautiful high alpine terrain and the incredible wildlife will make this race go from an amazing course to something beyond amazing. This is not your typical marathon,” said Korsmoe.

“I was intrigued by this race [last year] because it's considered to be the highest road marathon around,” says Steve Rumley from Helena who ran the inaugural race and has already signed up for the 2nd annual Madison on August 2nd. “Once into the run, I was astonished by its beauty, which rivals that of the Beartooths. This is a unique and beautiful race that's worth the trip” said Rumley.

The exact route of the race will be from near the base of Black Butte Mountain to Clover Meadows along Gravelly Range Road 290 in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The MCEDC is working closely with the US Forest Service in Ennis on the route which will be entirely on national forest land. Unlike other high altitude runs, the entire race will be run on a good quality gravel road and not on a trail. Runners who are accustomed to trail running in challenging environments as well as marathon enthusiasts who love running full or half marathon distances will be challenged by The Madison.

Every year, over 800 marathons are run throughout the world, an average of more than two per day. The world’s Major Marathons (Boston, New York, London, Berlin, and Chicago) sell out months ahead of race day even though runners must often qualify with low times to even sign up to run. In recent years, the extreme and unique runs such as the 20 Mile Ed Anacker Bridger Ridge Run in Bozeman or the Pikes Peak Marathon in Colorado quickly sell out. Last year’s Bridger Ridge Run capped out in just eight minutes.

Korsmoe has some definite goals for The Madison. “Within five years, I expect this race to be on the schedule of international professional runners. Our competitive edge is the very high altitude and incredible beauty of the race. The pros are going to need a high altitude run as part of their training regime so why not run it on a road in one of the most beautiful parts of America,” said Korsmoe.

The Madison will be capped at 200 runners on a first apply-first pay basis. Early registration is encouraged. On-line registration has begun on the MCEDC website at http://www.madcoedc.org/. Just follow the links. The fees for the race are: Full Marathon - $60 before June 30 and $70 after; Half Marathon - $35 before June 30 and $40 after; Team Marathon (4 runners maximum) - $100 per team until June 30 and $120 after. Registration will close on July 31.

The Madison Marathon is operated under a special use permit with the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The race is open to all with no discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. For more information, call Sam Korsmoe at 682-5923 or Robin Blazer at 682-5907.

Lake Como Triathlon July 25, 2009

2009-06-16T10:41:00.003-06:00

Swim 1500 yds., Mountain Bike 12.6, Trail Run 7.7 mi.

1 Hour 20 Minutes south of Missoula.

Montana’s Biggest Event Secret: The Lake Como Triathlon
The Lake Como Triathlon will challenge and inspire you in one of the most beautiful mountain lake locations for a triathlon to be held. An open-water swim with the mountain view as you turn for air, a mountain bike route with scenic vistas, and a trail run around the lake with views, creeks, falls, and terrain that makes you forget you are running.

A Nature-Inspired Adrenalin Rush to Please Your Athletic Soul
Located in the Bitterroot National Forest, the Lake Como Triathlon is a first ever event at this venue. The beautiful terrain and Lake, named after Lake Como of Italy, have attracted athletes and mountain bikers, climbers, skiers, campers, and more. Experience Como and you’ll want to come back for more. Presented by Antara Sports in Hamilton, this is a not-for-profit event to raise funds for the Lost Trail Ski Patrol, the Ravalli Co. Search & Rescue, and Trapper Peak Job Corp Student Council. Sign up now, as space is limited to 75 slots including teams. This event is authorized by a Special Use Permit to take place in the Bitterroot National Forest.

The Course
The course is a triangular swim 1500 yds., mountain bike 12.6 mi. on Forest Service Road and some single track, trail run is 7.7 miles on a well-used single-track trail along perimeter of lake. The bike has an elevation ascent of 2,279 and a descent of 2,305. Bike is rocky and sandy at points with pine cones and moose droppings. Cross bikes possible at your own risk. Run of 7.7 miles is loose rock and pact soil; beautiful sights around lake crossing Rock Creek Falls.

website: http://www.lakecomotri.com/

Torch Run 2009 Race Results

2009-06-09T20:16:00.006-06:00

June 7, 2009, Sunday
Torch Scholarship Run • Polson- supporting a two year scholarship for a Polson High School grad. Half-marathon and 5K scenic loop courses on paved roads and trails.

Click for the results: www.runmt.com/2009TorchRunResults.pdf

23rd Evaro Mountain Challege this Saturday.....

2009-05-28T14:14:00.003-06:00

May 30, 2009, Saturday
23rd Evaro Mountain Challege • Evaro, (Evaro is just NW of Missoula, Milepost 7 on Highway 93 N), 5K, 10K, runs, walks, 10K walk starts at 9:30 a.m., others 10 am. T-shirts, Prizes, Food, Age divisions.

The 10K Run: Challenging trail course for those who want to run or run and walk. 5K Run: On gravel road through scenic valley. Run or run and walk. 5K Funwalk: Noncompetitive -- walk, run, or stroll with Fun awards to top finishers..

Call Bob at 726-3695, Bob Hayes, 6125 Mercer Lane, Evaro, MT 59808. Sponsored by Evaro Community Center.

Download the entry form:

http://www.runmt.com/evaro09.pdf

Jump into Summer

2009-05-20T21:22:00.000-06:00

The Montana Super SkipperS present a Jump into Summer
5K Fun Run/Walk!

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2009
Time: Run starts at 9 a.m. and finishes by 12 noon
Race day late registration starts at 7:30 a.m.
Place: Boone & Crockett Club, 250 Station Drive
(On river, just off south end of Higgins Avenue Bridge)

Early bird fee if received prior to June 7:
$10 per person or $35 per family of 4
Late registration after June 7: participants must register at
event & pay $15 per person or $50 per family of 4

All participants receive a Montana Super Skippers Competition-Style Jump Rope!
Super Skippers will be on-hand for jump rope demos & instruction!

Please join us! Proceeds support our
team-members at the upcoming National Jump Rope Tournament in Texas!
Registration forms can be found at the Montana Super Skippers website at www.MontanaSuperSkippers.com.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana Governor's Cup June 5-7

2009-05-14T16:43:00.003-06:00

Sign Up Online and Win Prizes!

Along with the traditional individual events - 5K, 10K, 10K Competitive Wheelchair, and Stuart Brownlow 400m Challenge - the 2009 Governor's Cup is hosting the 10K Team and 5K Junior Team events and a new fun run/walk. Sunday's bike ride has a new family-friendly course. Visit http://www.govcup.bcbsmt.com/ for event schedule and course maps.

Race Helps Kids Get Needed Healthcare
Over 37,000 Montana children go without essential healthcare services. The Governor's Cup is a fundraiser for the Caring Foundation of Montana, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, exclusively dedicated to providing Montana children with access to healthcare services. One-hundred percent of race proceeds goes to the Caring Foundation of Montana. You can also choose to donate $1 or more to the Caring Foundation of Montana when you register.

New 10K Team Event and 5K Junior Team Event
The team spirit at the Governor's Cup continues with the new 10K Team and 5K Junior Team events. The 10K Team Event is open to men and women in the Master's, Master's Mixed, Open, and Open Mixed categories. The 5K Junior Team Event is open Junior Boys, Junior Girls, and Junior Mixed teams. See http://www.govcup.bcbsmt.com/ for combined age categories.

Keep the CHIP - It's Yours!
Timing CHIPs are now disposable. No need to stop at the finish. The CHIP is yours!

Almost-A-Mile Fun Run
The fun run is not timed and is just right for individuals and families who want a Governor's Cup experience packed into almost a mile of fun, music, and entertainment. The scenic route is lined with historical buildings and spectacular views of our surrounding mountains. Costumes are highly encouraged! See http://www.govcup.bcbsmt.com/ for course map.

Course Entertainment - Lot's of Fun
Church bells, helicopter flyover, live music, dancers, cheerleaders, rock n' roll bands, DJs, bagpipes and drums, barbershop quartet, and more!

Post Race Snacks
Race participants are invited to join us for a post-race snack in the food tent located in Pioneer Park. Your race bib must be attached to the front of your shirt to enter the food-tent area.

New Bike Route, Sunday, June 7

The five-mile bike ride will start at the Helena YMCA parking area, 1200 N Last Chance Gulch. The route tours a portion of the Rails to Trails system and through the Helena Nature Park. See http://www.govcup.bcbsmt.com/ for course map.

Join Our Team of Volunteers - Receive Free T and Picnic Ticket
Volunteer for fun activities throughout race weekend. Volunteer choices are available now on our registration website the at http://www.govcup.bcbsmt.com/. Volunteers receive a free race t-shirt and a ticket to the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic on June 18.

Facebook
Share your Governor's Cup experience with friends, families, and co-workers. See our Facebook page on http://www.govcup.bcbsmt.com/

RUNALOG FOR RUNNERS

2009-05-12T12:34:00.015-06:00

Dariusz Janczewski • Missoula Training, workout, exercise journals and logs, art, music, and more all for runners.

RUNALOG FOR RUNNERS is an all-in-one, runner's journal, planner andrunning log that could be instantly downloaded and printed as an Adobe PDFebook.This 360-plus pages publication is also a calendar, motivational tool, anddaily organizer that is updated on a monthly basis for free.The bonus pages include year-long compact calendar, my favorite runningroutes log, racing calendar, yearly and monthly distance tally log, and mytoday's running route sheet. Every purchaser of the journal automaticallybecomes Life-Time Member of the Runalog for Runners Club that entitles toa FREE yearly updates of the Runalog.For more information please visit Runalog for Runners web site http://www.runalogs.com/

DJ also designed my cool runmt.com logo.

2009 RRCA Convention - LIABILITY INSURANCE

2009-04-28T09:57:00.001-06:00

2009 RRCA Convention
LIABILITY INSURANCE
By John Devitt RRCA Montana State Rep

Last year during a weekly group run in Florida one of the club runners was going through his Ipod play list and ran through a red light at an intersection. The rest of the group stopped for the light. He never knew what hit him and was killed instantly.

The RRCA does not ban headphones, but along with babyjoggers, dogs, etc. they strongly recommend against them. As was stated, you have to look at the reality of the situation and people are going to do those things. Removing someone from a race might create a worse liability and PR situation. Still, you need to recommend against them.

The RRCA convention first seminar is the insurance seminar presented by Terry Diller who is a runner, himself and is the owner of Star Insurance that is under K&K Insurance. Anyway, he is the one who is responsible for our RRCA insurance policy. Usually his talk is more of a question and answer session. This time he had a lot to say.

The cost of our liability insurance is determined by the number of claims that are brought against it. Running, by and large, is a pretty safe activity and our cost are kept down by due diligence. So far they are holding the line on cost. However, in our current economic climate, more lawsuits are expected to be brought forth. Because of this, he thought that it would not be too long before the RRCA will have to go to a 2 million dollar policy. This will increase the overall premium by 15 to 25%. For us in Montana that are already required to pay 2 mil insurance, this will be a BIG reduction in our cost!

Last year I told about the woman who was ejected from a porta-potty, when wind and a low hovering helicopter caused it to turn over. The club did everything to try and pacify the women but to no avail. Her attorney waited until the last day that the law suite could be filed and delivered the subpoena could be delivered and served it at 10pm to our former RRCA membership chairman. The reason, it was explained, was that bad record keeping could sway the court in the plaintiff’s favor. Lesson learned: keep good records.

A couple of other items mentioned were that home owners insurance will not cover timing and course equipment since this is considered business property. This insurance is offered through the RRCA. Also note that police, medical personal, and other professional people that you may be using are not covered by the RRCA insurance. They should be covered under their own professional liability insurance. And getting back to due diligence, you should get second party certificates in situations, for example, you are using a city park for your event. You would request one from the city just as they will request one from you. An example of this is what happened in a race a few years ago that finished in a city park. In another area of the park, not used by the event, a kid fell in the playground area, and the mother sued the RRCA for damages when the city told her that the event was responsible for the playground which it clearly was not.

Another situation that bankrupted a Ski Club was when the club used an online business to collect their membership dues. The on-line company made of with $100,000 of the clubs money. So it is important to do background checks on business that you do business with.

I hope that you find this informative and helpful in preparing for your events.

Join a Club Campaign

2009-04-24T10:03:00.002-06:00

The RRCA Join a Club Campaign is in full swing.

"Many people see running clubs as groups for elite runners looking to challenge each other in serious workouts, but don't let the "club" label fool you. Today, organized running clubs engage new runners and walkers and help people go farther and faster. Most local running clubs offer structured workouts, but at their core they all aim to simply share the joy of running in a social atmosphere."

To find a local RRCA affiliated running club in your area visit us at www.RRCA.org/clubs/.

If you don't see a running club in your town, learn how to start one at www.RRCA.org/join/join/

Coming Soon! 2009 Governor's Cup, June 5 -7

2009-04-11T08:36:00.005-06:00

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana

Governor's Cup Race

June 5-7 Helena, Montana

Register Online - Win Prizes! http://www.govcup.bcbsmt.com/

Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Governors-Cup-2009/55920198902?ref=ts

NEW IN 2009!

Traditional 5K and 10K Events Now Include Team Events

Along with our traditional 5K and 10 individual events, we've added the 10K Team and 5K Junior Team events, continuing the tradition of team spirit at the Governor's Cup.

Almost-A-Mile Fun Run

The non-timed fun run is just right for individuals, families, and seniors who want a Governor's Cup experience packed into almost a mile of historical sites, live music, and entertainment.

New Bike Route, Sunday, June 7

The family fun four-mile bike ride will start and end at the Helena YMCA parking lot and follow portions of Rails to Trails and the Nature Park Trail.

New Venue for Montana Governor's Cup Marathon

To help promote health and fitness across the state, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana has partnered with the Montana Marathon in Billings to host the Montana Governor's Cup Marathon and related events on Sunday, September 20, 2009, Billings, Montana. http://www.montanagovernorscupmarathon.org/

Family of Four Registration - Great Value!

Each member of a family of four living in the same household can register for one or more events for just $50. Additional family members must register as an individual and pay fees associated with their age and event.

Event Schedule and Race Details

http://www.govcup.bcbsmt.com/

2009 RRCA Convention

2009-04-10T16:10:00.005-06:00

RUNNING IN SAN FRANCISCO

By John Devitt, RRCA Montana State Rep

Runners World list San Francisco as one of the ten best running cities in the USA. It would be hard to argue that. Most of the year the temperature variation is less than 20 degrees. For the most part, while I was there, it varied between 45-65. Needless to say, at a running convention you do a lot of running.

Day 1, Thursday:
We met in the lobby of the Hyatt on Fishermen’s Warf at 6:15 am. We had several group leaders, running at different paces so everyone would be accommodated. I picked the second group out figuring that if I couldn’t keep up, I would just fall in with the next group that came along. We ran along the bay and after a couple of miles, both groups came to a halt so the women could use the bathroom. It was cool and I didn’t want to cool down so I continued on. Shortly, two from the fast group caught me and I ran with them. It turned out that our group (of 3) leader grew up in Helena and after college moved to SF. We ran along the Embarcadero under the Bay Bridge to and around the new baseball stadium and back for a total of 7 miles. It was beautiful! We started in the dark and had a gorgeous sun rise with the Bay Bridge silhouetted against the sky. It was invigorating!

Day 2, Friday am:
We met at the same place and the same time. The group was larger since the first day was primarily State Reps, directors and board officers. This time there was a choice of 4, 6, or 8 – miles of hills! We had a bunch of group leaders for different paces, but that pretty much went to hell within the first mile. They did, however, make sure that nobody got lost. The reason we got bunched up is that almost everyone could sprint from stop light to stop light. The GPS watches were popular. It seemed that everyone was wearing one. The hills began to separate us out. The grades were way steeper than you would think. I think some were timing their pace so as to hit the red light. Anyway, what you go up you come down. We eventually came to the famous crooked street and ran down it. After 6 miles we were down to a group of three guys and four girls. Two girls were leaders and they found some more steep hills to run. We hit one down hill where the sidewalks were stairs. I found it easier to run in the street. When we finally got back, all the food for the continental breakfast was gone. Some things never change.

Day 2, Friday pm:
We had a choice of a 7 mile under the Golden Gate Bridge that ended at the Sports Basement (a mega sports store) in the Presidio – or we could do a five mile walk to the same place. Since I had already run my past two weeks mileage in two days, I chose the walk. We walked through some neighborhoods (more hills) to look at the townhouses and then walked around the Pan-American Exposition (I believe 1910), similar to the world’s fair. At the Sports Basement we were hosted for dinner with entertainment.

Day 3, Saturday am:
The group was decidedly smaller. Some had done some extra celebrating after dinner and some were resting for the Presidio 10 tomorrow. Another group that was limited to 40 runners was bused out to the course where the Dipsea Trail, made famous by a movie staring Bruce Dern, is. We did an easy 5 miles on Fishermen’s Warf working ourselves over towards where the race would start on Sunday morning. We ran up and down the piers, stopping for a few minutes to watch the sea lions lounging on some unused decks. After running along the water we worked our way back through some more interesting neighborhoods to the hotel.

Day 4, Sunday: The Presidio 10 25th Anniversary. The Presidio 10 consist of two events: a 10 mile and a 10K race. The 10K race is the RRCA 10K national championship. I chose the 10K. We had to board the bus at 6 am for the 10 minute ride to the start even though the race did not start until 8 am. It was 45 degrees, so I did a long warm-up to keep warm. The first half mile was flat, then, a three quarter mile10 percent climb to the bridge. The bridge is 1 ½ miles long, but while you are running it; the bridge creates an optical allusion that you are always running uphill. Once on the bridge, it is hard to keep your focus on running, since there is so much to see. Going out, you run on the west side of the bridge. At the end, there are a couple of flights of stairs that take you down and more stairs on the other side to get you back up to the east side of the bridge. The stairs is where is seams that everyone decided to rest because it was a slow walk down and back up and you could not pass at that point. Once off the bridge, things speeded up. The downhill was not quite as steep as the uphill because of an additional switch back. The last mile or so was flat and mostly on a packed sand road along the bay at water level. The finish was at the start with plenty of good food and entertainment waiting.

Run Wild Missoula’s Ride the Bloomsday Bus with Us

2009-04-08T16:44:00.004-06:00

May 3, 2009, Sunday
Run Wild Missoula’s Ride the Bloomsday Bus with Us

The bus departs the parking garage on Front St. in Missoula at 4:45 a.m. and arrives in Spokane at 7 a.m. for Bloomsday

$50/person and includes breakfast, sports drinks, Bloomsday memorabilia, and we pick up your race bag.

Bus departs Spokane at 1:30 p.m. and arrives in Missoula at 4:45 p.m.
Contact eva@runwildmissoula.org or 544-3150
http://www.runwildmissoula.org/

Bloomsday Online Registration

2009-04-08T16:31:00.004-06:00

Bloomsday '09 — Be a Finisher!

Register by Sunday, April 19

In case you or your family and friends haven't signed up for Bloomsday, the deadline for online registration for the 33rd edition of the Lilac Bloomsday Run is approaching faster than Micah Kogo (Bloomsday '08 champion).

Whether you run, jog or walk, now's the time to sign up.

Already signed up? Want to verify if your family or friends are registered? Visit the Am I Registered? page to confirm your own registration and those of family and friends -- but only for online entrants. (Mail-in entries cannot be confirmed.)
Register online today — Save time & money!

Register online by Sunday, April 19 and avoid paying the $30 late entry fee.
Register or find out more information by visiting: http://www.bloomsdayrun.org/

17th Annual Run for the Trees, Signup by April 2...

2009-03-29T09:12:00.010-06:00

17th Annual Run for the Trees DEADLINE EXTENDED

Saturday, April 4, 2009
· 5K fun run or walk on Riverfront trail system
· Long sleeve full-color Monte Dolack tee
· A free tree seedling to plant!

Celebrate Arbor Month this April with a 5k walk or run along the Riverfront Trails. Missoula Parks and Recreation's 17th annual Run for The Trees is Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 10 a.m. All runners and walkers receive a long-sleeved t-shirt featuring the artwork of Missoula artist Monte Dolack, and a free tree seedling to plant. Participants are also eligible to win great prizes and gift certificates.
Kids 12 and under can do the 1-mile Fun Run, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and all youth participants receive an award. The awards and Arbor Month ceremony begin at 11:15 a.m.

Over 700 kids and adults joined Parks and Recreation for last year's Run For The Trees. It's a great event for the whole family, and proceeds are used to purchase trees for Missoula's parks and schools.

Registration is $20 for adults and $15 for youth, if registered by March 30. Late registration fees, March 31 through April 2, are $25 for adults, $20 for youth. Sorry, no race-day registrations accepted. Register at Currents Aquatics Center, or call 721-PARK for an entry form, download a registration form and mail or deliver to Currents Aquatics Center, or register online at http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1705137&assetId=61adec5d-82af-403a-b16c-5bcb48ece171

Polson Running Club

2009-03-19T09:29:00.003-06:00

Polson Running is all about fitness and fun in our community. We want to encourage healthy activities for families, whether you are a walker or a runner of any age. All proceeds of this non-profit go back into community health and fitness events.

Check our calendar at http://www.polsonrunning.com/ for five annual races in the Polson area, hosted by Polson Running and other organizations we are partnering with. Mark your calendar and meet us at the next event!