Race around the lake
Organizers say the region's newest marathon race course is believed to be the only course that takes racers completely around a lake.
Families, recreational runners and serious racers are all invited to participate in the first Hayden Marathon event scheduled for Oct. 19 with Hayden Lake as the centerpiece.
"We realize this is a challenging course," said Race Director Jason Ball, who drew out the course on a napkin one evening with friends. "But it's an absolutely gorgeous course so we hope the beauty will add to everyone's enjoyment."
The marathon course will be challenging because the topography around Hayden Lake is so hilly. Runners will face a constant presence of small, medium and large hills.
The race will travel counterclockwise around the lake in odd years and the opposite direction in even years.
Race day events will also include a half marathon and 10 kilometer fun run.
All three races will start and end at Honeysuckle Beach. The half marathon will traverse north along Hayden Lake Country Club, onto Lakeview Drive, onto English Point Road, turning west onto Lancaster Road, and will then head south on Avondale Loop to the finish line at Honeysuckle Beach. The 10K race will leave the beach and travel east on Upper Hayden Lake Road and loop back to the beach along Hayden Lakeshore Road.
Participants in the marathon must be at least 18 years old, half marathoners must be at least 14 years old, and the 10K is open to anyone 10 years of age or older.
Registration is now open and more information is available at www.haydenlakemarathon.org. The marathon begins at 7 a.m., the half marathon begins at 7:35 a.m. and the 10K begins at 9 a.m.
"We're bringing a great team of volunteers together to put on a first rate event," said Hayden Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Lowery. "We're hoping to grow the event each year and we're happy to partner with two other worthy causes for a memorable fall running event."
Proceeds from the race will benefit the Hayden Chamber of Commerce, the Coeur d'Alene High School Cross Country team and Jumpin' Beans Mobile Food Bank.
Race packet pickup will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 151 West Orchard, Hayden. A Vibrant Life Meet and Greet with vendors, trainers, technology, nutrition, race promotions and more will be held during the packet pick up. Marathon and half marathon registration is open until the close of the packet pickup session. Race day registrations will only be available for the 10K race.
Info: Race Director Jason Ball, 819-9220 or jasonballcda@gmail.com