The race will start at the Canfield trail system near Coeur d’Alene and end at Scott’s Field in Farragut State Park. The seven summits include: West Canfield, East Canfield, Huckleberry, Spades, South Chilco, North Chilco, and Bernard Peak.

Throughout the course runners will experience views of Fernan Lake, Lake Coeur d’Alene, Hayden Lake, and Lake Pend Oreille, as well as views of the Selkirks. The 7 Summits event originated as a race between mountain bikers and runners. The idea first came to Dave Dutro in 2013 when he rode the route and wondered “if a hardy trail runner would be faster than a mountain biker.”

In 2015, Trail Maniacs held the first 7 Summits Fata$$—mountain bikers vs. trail runners—and repeated the event the following year. The original course was 53 miles and had a 50 percent “did not finish” (DNF) rate, which is proof of how tough the route is.The Trail Maniacs are able to offer 150 primitive camping spots at Scott’s Field where there is potable water, pit toilets, and a large shelter where a potluck and trail running movies will be provided Friday evening. Yard games will be provided on race day to entertain spectators, and post-race food will include tacos and refreshments by Growler Guys CDA. 

Register here.W

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Race History: The Orth Brothers

The S2S was founded by twin brothers, Bart and Ben Orth. The Orth brothers were both competitive runners who enjoyed adventure running and participated in various extended races. The brothers also had a passion for entrepreneurship. According to Bart, Ben approached him one day with the idea of combining their passion and hobby by starting a race from Spokane to Sandpoint.

The focus of the race was really about building lasting memories. “Life is about making memories,” said Orth. He asked, “What can we do to make this [relay] something that stands out and makes it memorable?” Their answer was to focus on team camaraderie.

Efforts included costume competitions, timed trials, and a stop at Silverwood Theme Park in the middle of the night to ride the Tremors rollercoaster!

In 2010, the event’s third year, tragedy struck. Early in the morning a driver hit two race participants, killing one and seriously injuring the other. Police believed that alcohol was a factor. The day prior a woman was hit crossing Newport Highway. The driver in that incident was not believed to be at fault.

“200 miles is a long way and you can’t control every variable,” reflects Orth. “The Centennial Trail only goes so far so you have to go on the manmade roads.” The Orth brothers added additional safety measures to the course and ran it for one more year before deciding to sell the event to Cascade Relays.

When asked about their decision to sell the relay, Orth answers, “The weight of [the accidents] was a factor,” but both brothers also had families and full-time jobs.

The Cascade Relays Years

Scott Douglass, co-founder of Cascade Relays based out of Bend, OR with his wife Carrie, agreed to take over the event in 2012. Douglass, who was familiar with the Orth brothers as fellow independent relay organizers, attempted to revive the relay.

“Over a 6-year period [we] took a race that was struggling and used resources to help it grow,” says Douglass. “We rebranded everything and changed the course to make it a safer event.”

In 2008, the first year the relay was held, there were just over 50 teams registered. Over the years, registrations peaked at about 90 teams and settled between 70-80.

“These races are a logistical juggernaut,” says Douglass about coordinating such large-scale events. At this time Cascade Relays also launched their Beer Chases, which were growing, while S2S remained stagnant. “We made a business decision to invest in the beer chases,” said Douglass, and in 2017 it was announced that S2S would run its final year.

One month later, the event was sold to the Alaska-based North by Northwest Relays (NXNW).

North by Northwest Rebirth

NXNW is a series of relays based out of Alaska owned by Nathan Luke and his father David. “We think it’s important to have an event like this in the area, and we want to keep it,” says Luke. “We really want S2S to be a permanent fixture in the community. Something the average person living in town is aware of and maybe has on their bucket list.”

The Inland Northwest has access to miles of trails and beautiful scenery, which makes it a picturesque venue for an adventure relay. “The centennial trail network system is a huge asset to the area…and City Beach is one of the most beautiful finish lines to any relay across the nation,” says Douglass.

Three-time participant Shane Fuller loves the event. “It has been both a pivotal and extremely positive influence for my fitness journey,” says Fuller. “The sense of accomplishment coupled with the friendships built and memories made are things I’ll always cherish.”

Despite the changes in the event over the years, the original dream of creating a relay that builds camaraderie and makes memories remains constant.

The post Spokane to Sandpoint Relay: 12 Years and Running appeared first on Out There Venture.

The River Run is also the primary fundraiser for the Garfield A.P.P.L.E. program. 100% of the funds raised go to the A.P.P.L.E. program, offering an enhanced learning experience via parent participation for kids in Spokane Public Schools and partner organizations.

The post Race Report: Spokane River Run (April 28) appeared first on Out There Venture.

James T. Slavin Conservation Area Loop (3.5 miles)

This wetland loop 10 miles south of Spokane circles Slavin Pond, which is a hot spot for many different species of birds, including geese, ducks, and owls. Bird watching aside, this route will take you through a forest of ponderosa pines, aspens, and up a butte with many peekaboo views of the pond. While open year-round, note that seasonal flooding may occur in these wetlands.

South Hill Bluff (3-5 miles)

One of my favorite winter routes is along the South Hill bluff, running between High Drive and Hangman Creek. The best time to go is after a fresh snowfall – once you hit the trail, you are in your own personal winter wonderland. The path is not paved so bring your spikes or prepare to have some fun in the snow!

Start at the trailhead on 29^th and High Drive and take the concrete sidewalk down to the trail. The trail will split a few times, heading back up to High Drive or down towards Hangman Creek; stay on the upper trail until you eventually angle up towards the intersection near Manito Boulevard. At this point, you can either turn around and go back the way you came for 3 miles or run a nice 5-mile loop down Manito Boulevard, through the park, and back up to 29^th. The loop option not only adds distance, but also switches up the terrain, allowing you to run on both road and trail.

Rimrock Conservation Area/Palisades Park (3-7 miles)

Just west of Spokane, Palisades Park consists of a trail system that enables you to run various distances with varying surroundings. The Rimrock Conservation loop is an easy 3 miles in a forest setting with minimal elevation gain and a view of Mount Spokane in the background. By exploring the rest of the trails, you will come across Indian Canyon Falls where, during the winter months, you may find local ice climbers scaling the frozen waterfall.

Downriver Drive/Aubrey L. White Parkway (3-10+ miles)

Aubrey L. White Parkway is a great route to meet whatever training needs you have during the winter months. Running parallel to the Spokane river, you will enjoy beautiful views while still running on a maintained road. This route is an out-and-back, so it is easy to run a quick 5k or even a long run.

Start at Pettet Drive and take Downriver Drive along the golf course until the road forks. Keep left to continue onto Aubrey L. White Parkway. Brace yourself for some undesirable scents after about 2.5 miles as you run past the Spokane Waste Water Management facility. This is a good place to pick up the pace and work on some speed! Eventually, you will meet Riverside State Park and catch views of the Bowl and Pitcher. Turn around at 5 miles to make it a 10 mile out-and-back or continue to follow the river until you hit 7-Mile Road—another good place to park if you would like to check out different sections of the Parkway with easy access to the trail system within Riverside State Park.

Camp Sekani/Upriver Drive (3-10+ miles)

This out-and-back follows Upriver Drive along the Spokane River via the Centennial Trail. Parking at Camp Sekani, head west and you will have views of the climbing rocks at Minnehaha on one side, and the river on the other. This stretch has some wooded paths that, if unkempt, can easily be switched out for running along the Centennial Trail/Upriver Drive the entire way. Run all the way to Mission Park for a long run or cut back earlier to make it shorter.

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The Mermaid Run consists of both a 5k and 10k route along the Spokane River, starting and stopping in Riverfront Park. For $40 or $50, respectively, participants will receive race shirts, finisher’s medals and necklaces in addition to their race entry.

The Mermaid Dash is a 1.5 mile run/walk meant to introduce young girls to running or walking and provide them a sample of the excitement and accomplishment felt when crossing the finish line. Participants receive a medal, finisher necklace, and post-race food for an entry fee of $15. // (Allison Armfield)

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At the first race of its kind in the Spokane area, runner’s will consume one slice of pizza five minutes before the start time, and a second piece about halfway through at the “pizza station.” Who needs water when you have pizza? The first runner to cross the finish line will be crowned the Pizza King or Queen and receive a special award. $30 will get you two slices of pie, a custom pizza medal, a shirt, and free access to race photos. Veterans and active duty military members receive a 15% military discount.

At this time, the race is unable to accommodate dietary restrictions such as gluten-free crust, and there will be cheese. Local Spokane pizza joint Pizza Rita will be sponsoring the event and providing the pies.

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Tickets are limited, and prices are tiered, increasing the closer you get to race day.

[Feature photo “The Dirtiest Race Around” by Shallan Knowles]

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If you live in Spokane, you are most likely familiar with Bloomsday. If you are a runner in Spokane, chances are you’ve heard of other local races, such as the Spokane Marathon and St. Paddy’s 5 miler. But did you know that these races, along with several others, are all connected as part of a race series?

The Bloomsday Road Runners Club (BRRC) coordinates an annual race series, free to members, that spans almost the entire year. The mission of the series is, “to promote and reward consistency in running in a variety of distances throughout the year.” These races vary in distance from 5K to a marathon and are also designated for “motivating competition.” In order to participate in the race series, you must be a current BRRC member; memberships expire every year on Bloomsday.

After Bloomsday, the next race in the series is the Windermere Marathon or Half Marathon on May 20, 2018. This course is scenic, with the route going along the Spokane River on the Centennial Trail, and is also flat, with net negative elevation. Windermere is USATF certified and a Boston Qualifier, and appeals to both runners who are looking to qualify or set personal records. During prime racing season, the Windermere Marathon or Half Marathon is the perfect race to train for; the scenery is great, and with the fast course, your results will most likely be impressive. For a full list of the race series, please visit brrc.net. Some of the most popular races in the BRRC series include:

• Partners in Pain—a 5K scheduled close to Valentine’s Day where partners enter as a team and place based on combined age and time
• Rapid Rabbit
• Recycle Run
• Windermere Half and Full Marathon
• Sundae Sunday—a 10-miler sponsored by Ben and Jerry’s, who provide runners with ice cream after a longer run.

Farragut Trail Run (May 19)

Now that spring has arrived, it’s time to hit the trails! The Trail Maniacs coordinate a series of trail runs each year that take participants through our local parks. The majority of these runs are challenging in elevation, but rewarding with their views. I am constantly amazed by the beauty we have right here in our own backyard, and the Trail Maniacs runs never fail to reveal it to me.

Their next event is the Farragut Trail Run on May 19, 2018. Farragut State Park is located on the Southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille near Athol, Idaho. Once a World War II naval training station, this route offers history in addition to stunning scenery.

In typical Trail Maniacs fashion, there is the option to camp, have a potluck dinner the night before, and refuel at post-race BBQ. Their events aim to be family-friendly and fun; they focus more on the joys of trail running and spending time with good friends and family than on awards.

For a killer run with beautiful views and a fun after party, the Farragut Trail Run (or any Trail Maniacs event) is guaranteed to be a good time!

Feature photo: Spokane Marathon start 2006. // Jim Hoppe

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Some people opt to run indoors on a treadmill or focus on cross-training until the conditions are safe enough to return to the pavement. However, runners stand the chance of becoming faster and stronger by the time spring comes if they run regularly through the winter months.

Many people who brave the conditions do so in groups, like the Fleet Feet Sports winter incentive program. The program, called Winter Warriors, is a point-based group running game stretched across 12 weeks.

“The whole point of the game is to get people moving in the winter and during the dark hours since we have such short days,” says training groups coordinator Jessicah Travis. “It’s hard to be motivated, but that’s what we’re doing with the points and the prizes. You’d be amazed at what people will do for extra points,” says Travis.

Extra points are awarded to runners for getting out in elements that would normally keep someone at home, such as snow, rain, or temperatures below 30 degrees. There are various other ways to secure extra points, such as attending themed runs or posting photos on social media.

“The goal is to get as many points as you can, and every year we crown a winter warrior,” Travis says.

Of course, running in these sorts of elements requires different clothing and gear than in other seasons. “Here in Spokane, I would definitely recommend some traction spikes, as it can get icy and those will keep you upright,” says Travis. Reflectivity is also important when running in the dark, and headlamps or flashing lights are required for Winter Warriors.

“The key to being comfortable when you’re running in the colder temperatures is to have a really good base layer,” says Nicole Lund, also from Fleet Feet. The properties to consider in a base layer include moisture wicking, or “something that pulls the sweat away from your skin and prevents you from feeling that icy chill,” says Lund.  She also recommends form-fitting base layers so that additional layers can be added as needed.

“It’s a good idea to dress for weather that is 20 degrees warmer,” says Lund. “You’ll feel cold when you start out but, as you get going, it’s nice having that flexibility to shed a layer.” She also recommends a lightweight shell or something that will block wind and has vents to allow breathability. Other accessories include wool (or synthetic) socks, gloves, and a beanie. Some runners also wear trail running or waterproof shoes.

The outlook for this year’s Winter Warriors campaign is bright. “Every year we grow a little bit more,” says Travis. “We expect to be around 250 Winter Warriors this year.”

By joining Winter Warriors, participants can “make a lot of new friends…it’s a great community” says Travis. They can also “expect to be a bit competitive and feel proud of themselves for getting out there when it is a hard time of year to be outside. And they can expect some awesome prizes at the end!”

In fact, this sense of community is one of the best parts of joining the club. “I just hope that everybody can come out and have fun and hopefully stay motivated and not be alone this winter,” says Travis.

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