Top races to run in east Idaho
Published at | Updated atAn estimated 17 million runners raced through a finish line in 2015. If you want to be included in that count next year, listen up and start lacing your shoes.
East Idaho’s cool mornings, moderate summers, and beautiful scenery make it an ideal race location for running enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Here are some of the best races to run in east Idaho in 2017.
The Heart and Sole of Rigby
Saturday, April 29
5K, 10K, kids’ traverse
Offering a 5k walk and run, a 10k run, and kids’ traverse, which features a fun quarter mile obstacle course, The Heart and Sole of Rigby has something for everyone.
Rexburg Dr. Kimball Arritt of Summit Spine and Sport says he loves this race because it’s affordable, broken up in fun ways, and the Rotary donates all the proceeds to charity.
Teton Dam Marathon
Saturday, June 3
Marathon, half-marathon, 5K, 10K
Touted a favorite of runners by runnersgoal.com, the Teton Dam Marathon gets praise for its smaller number of participants, nice views, and downhill course.
Reviewers claim Rexburg’s community is highly supportive and volunteers are “exuberant” and sprinklers will cool you down as you run past the potato fields!
This race commemorates the collapse of the Teton Dam on June 5, 1976.
Cady Tucker Run In The Spirit
Saturday, July 22
5K run/walk, 5-mile run, 5-mile relay
A race with a mission, the Cady Tucker Run In The Spirit was created to honor its namesake and promote awareness about impaired driving and proper use of emergency medical equipment.
In Freeman Park in Idaho Falls, runners will enjoy group dancing at 8 a.m. and a live performance after the race as well. All proceeds go to buying emergency medical equipment for local school districts 91 and 93.
Idaho Falls Marathon
The event, formerly known as the MAD Marathon, is “to encourage people in all walks of life to break out of their comfort zone and attempt something many claim is impossible.” More information available here.
Mesa Falls Marathon
Saturday, Aug. 26
Marathon, half-marathon, relay, 10K, 5K, Family Fun Run
A Boston Marathon qualifier and named the best race in all of Idaho by Greatist.com, the Mesa Falls Marathon is a favorite of many.
With stunning views of Targhee National Forest, the Teton Mountains, Mesa Falls, and Warm River it’s not hard to see why. Because of its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, wildlife is abundant in the mostly downhill course of gravel roads, packed trail, and pavement.
Oh, and if you’re not sold yet: Runners get huckleberry shakes after they cross the finish line.
Pocatello Marathon
Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, 5K, kids’ races,
This event has been held since 2000. It offers a .2-miler for children 11 years and younger and 1-miler for those 18 years and younger. The marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K are available to those using a wheelchair or handcycle.
Find out more about this race here.
Race to Feed the Hungry
Thursday, Nov. 23
Walk, 5K, 10K
Not only can you build an appetite for your Thanksgiving feast, you can also benefit the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket and the less fortunate.
Don’t feel comfortable walking, running or jogging by yourself? You can register as a team. And with an anticipated 3,500 participants, you certainly won’t be alone in Idaho Falls’ Freeman Park!
Get more information on the Race to Feed the Hungry here.
Remember, if you are looking for a way to get in shape, enjoy the outdoors, or just go running – there’s a race for you in east Idaho.