2016 late winter/spring event schedule
Motivation is always needed when we start down the path of health and fitness. One way to spice up your workouts and set goals is to prepare and participate in fitness events.
Each year, we see a growing number of fun runs and competitive racing events added to the growing list. Whether you are training for the daunting task to take on Ironman or headed to one of our regions fun runs or biking events, their popularity grows each year.
No matter which type of race you choose, they are a great way for beginners to get motivated, break up the monotony of training and for both accomplished athletes and newbies to set and reach their goals.
This year, I wanted to split the schedule into two segments: winter/spring and summer/fall. The past few years, it has become somewhat of a ritual to list various types of races and fun events for our region. I like to cover Western Montana, North Idaho and Washington since we are centrally located in the region.
Keep in mind that many of these events are fun and easy to participate in and most do not require you to be an elite athlete. This year looks to have some great run/walk events centered around family and kids. Other additions to an already busy event schedule are more half-marathons then ever and for Coeur d’Alene, a half Ironman, along with a full Ironman later this coming summer.
Here are the current listed races from February through May. This does not represent all the races or events, just the ones that have been posted or announced. If I have missed any that you think should be on the list, let me know and I will try to get them published in a subsequent column or in March when I post the summer/fall 2016 schedule.
02/20/2016 - 26th annual Leprechaun Scurry, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
02/27/2016 - Snow Joke Half Marathon - Seeley Lake, Mont.
03/13/2016 – St. Paddy’s Five 5 Mile - Spokane, Wash.
03/13/2016 – Snake River Sprint Triathlon - Clarkston, Wash.
03/19/2016 - Caveman 5K Roar and Pour 5K Fun Run - Quincy, Wash.
03/20/2016 – Mead Marching Madness 5K - Spokane, Wash.
03/20/2016 – Spokane Super Hero Run 10K, 5k Walk/Run - Spokane, Wash.
03/26/2016 – Rapid Rabbit Run 5 Mile/3 Mile Walk/Run - Spokane, Wash.
04/03/2016 – Hauser Lake 10 Ice Breaker 10K - Hauser, Idaho
04/09/2016 - Ronde van Palouse Bike race 16 Mile circuit - Spangle, Wash.
04/10/2016 – Negative Split Half Marathon - Spokane, Wash.
04/16/2016 - Wenatchee Marathon/Half and 10K - Wenatchee, Wash.
04/17/2016 – Spring Dash 5 Mile - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
04/17/2016 – Spokane River Run 50K, 25K, 10K, 5K - Spokane, Wash.
05/01/2016 – 40th annual Bloomsday 12K - Spokane, Wash.
05/07/2016 - State Park Series Farragut State Park, Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Athol, Idaho
05/06-5/07/2016 – North West Paddlefest – Lake Sammamish, Wash.
05/07/2016 – Spartan Beast 12 Plus Mile Mud & Obstacle Run - Big Fork, Mont.
05/08/2016 – Spartan Spring 12 Plus Mile Mud & Obstacle Run - Big Fork, Mont.
05/14/2016 - Insane Inflatable 5K Obstacle Fun Run - Spokane, Wash.
05/14/2016 - The Ultimate Wine Run Tri-Cities 5K/1K Run Walk - Kennewick, Wash.
05/21/2016 – America’s Armed Forces Kids Run - Spokane, Wash.
05/21/2016 - Tour de Cure 100, 50, 25 and 4 Mile Rides - Spokane, Wash.
05/21/2016 – Liberty Lake Trail Run 8 Miles - Liberty Lake, Wash.
05/21/2016 – Spokane Troika Half Triathlon - Spokane, Wash.
05/28-05/29/2016 - 24 Hours Around the Clock Mont. Bike 14.8 Mile Laps - Spokane, Wash.
05/29/2016 - Coeur d'Alene Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Run - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
05/29/2016 - Priest Lake Spring Festival Run Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids Dash - Priest Lake, Idaho
05/29/2016 – 22nd annual Onion Man Triathlon - Walla Walla, Wash.
All these events are very easy to register for and most are very organized and very well run. Registrations are usually found online at sites like runningintheusa.com and active.com.
Many of the national events like the Spartan and Insane Inflatable races have their own websites and most events offer discounts if you sign up early.
Some races allow for registration the day of the race, but many do not, so it is always best to pre-register in advance.
Keep in mind to stay hydrated both pre-race and during the race. Wear proper gear that is recommended for each type of event and remember to make it a fun and memorable time being active and healthy.
Judd Jones is a director for the Hagadone Corp.