Running Wild | December 2020
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Run Wild Missoula Interim Executive Director: Looking Back to Look Ahead |
As 2020 comes to a close, it is easy to put “the worst year” behind us; at least that is how I feel. However, if we truly take some time to reflect on 2020, there are some silver linings:
Community Giving: Run Wild Missoula has continued to make contributions to community organizations throughout the year, thanks to our membership. You continued to put your money where your heart is, and participated in events that support causes important to you. Through virtual events and trail classes, we were able to donate to:
- YWCA Missoula (Rundraiser)
- Missoula Food Bank and Community Center (Four for the Fourth and Autumn Amble)
- Missoula Downtown Foundation (River City Ramble)
- University of Montana Physical Therapy Student Association (Wicked Wander)
- Montana Food Bank Network (Turkey Day)
- United Way of Missoula County (Snowy Stride)
- Five Valleys Land Trust (spring and fall trail classes)
In addition to the organizations listed above, we were able to direct funds from participants who chose to donate their entry fees to the Missoula Marathon to multiple groups:
- Youth Homes
- Opportunity Resources
- Missoula Food Bank and Community Center
- Big Sky, Hellgate, and Sentinel High School cross country programs
- All Nations Health Center
- Soft Landing Missoula
Adaptability: We learned that RWM staff, the Board of Directors, and our members are able to successfully adapt to an ever-changing environment. While we would have loved to have hosted all of our “normal” in-person events and socials (anyone else miss Beer Runs as much as I do?), we were able to provide virtual racing and training opportunities for safe recreation; and, provide in-person training opportunities this fall thanks to our dedicated class leaders (who are all volunteers!).
Run Wild Missoula has built a strong community of runners and walkers over its almost 15-year history (much longer if you include the years of MRTC). As we move into 2021, we will take the lessons we learned this year and continue to offer our “bread and butter” events and classes (when it is safe to do so), as well as continue to try new things.
I encourage you to take some time to reflect on 2020 to find your own silver linings.
Run wild, run free –
Ashley
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Member Spotlight: Sally Henkel |
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Where are you from? What brought you to Missoula?
I grew up in Kentucky, running around the Daniel Boone National Forest. My dad has always loved Montana and we ventured out here as kids. When I was in high school, I looked at UM for college but worried that it was too far from home. Shortly after graduation, I moved to Germany via the State Department so my perception of distance changed drastically. I found my way back to Missoula in the winter of 2013, not knowing anyone and with a strong desire for open spaces. My dad always jokes that he was hesitant to introduce his 3 girls to the west because he knew that he would lose one of us to it.
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Member Spotlight Nomination Form |
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Do you know someone from our Run Wild Missoula community that we should get to know better? With 1,600-plus members, we have a wealth of talent, passion, expertise, inspiration, and enthusiasm for running and walking among us.
Maybe it is someone who has been inspirational to you, achieved an insurmountable goal, demonstrated a courage to start (or re-start!), or clearly exemplifies the club's core values. Perhaps there is another reason?
If so, we'd like to hear from you! Simply complete the form on the Run Wild Missoula website.
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"More than just words on paper, Run Wild Missoula's Mission and Core Values guide the decisions we make on our mix of races, use of club resources; member benefits & amenities; community donations and how we support our sport. We hope that you'll continue to join and support us as we work to live up to these standards."
Tony took immense pleasure in Run Wild Missoula’s ability to give back to the Missoula community in meaningful ways. It was often a key driver in the decisions Tony made while leading Run Wild Missoula. To recognize Tony's dedication to community giving over the years, the Board of Directors has established the Tony Banovich Fund. This fund will be used as Run Wild Missoula's charitable giving arm for future community contributions.
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The BibRave results revealed exciting news for the Missoula Marathon & Half Marathon this week. For the fourth year in a row, the Missoula Marathon made it into the Top 5 Marathons in America; coming in at number 3 behind Flying Pig (Cincinnati) and the Boston Marathon. The Missoula Half Marathon was named one of the Top 20 races. Lastly, we were named one of the Top 5 Best Race-cation destinations for the decade!
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Upcoming Virtual Races with Run Wild Missoula |
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Run for Missoula | Snowy Stride
December 14 - 20
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Our last installment of the 2020 Run for Missoula Virtual Race Series will be the Snowy Stride! It's time to tackle a 12K in the 12th month of the year while raising money for United Way of Missoula County. Funds will be used to help Missoula community members in need during the holiday season.
You can complete your 12K anywhere and anytime during the week of December 14th through the 20th. You can also complete our Strava route.
Registration closes Sunday, December 13th
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The Tony Banovich Roads Tracks and Trail Memorial Run
Now through December 31
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Please join us in honoring Tony's memory by running or walking 4.35 miles by the end of the year. Why 4.35 miles? That was the average daily distance of Tony's run 1,731 day run streak - that's almost 5 years of running every.single.day! Proceeds from the event will go towards the Tony Banovich Fund. More information above.
Participants will receive a commemorative pin of the race logo and entry into a drawing to win a pair of AfterShokz headphones. Did we mention there is a locals only bonus drawing?? Win one of three $100 certificates to FINN, thanks to DoubleTree Missoula-Edgewater!
Registration closes on Friday, December 11th
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2021 Resolution Run
January 1
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Together, can we collectively run, walk, and hike 2,021 miles in one day?
That's our goal and we hope you will help us get there! Let’s bring in the New Year outside & moving. The Resolution Run has traditionally been a 5k in year’s past, but to achieve 2,021 total miles in one day, each of us will need to push our mileage to reach our goal. How much will you contribute on New Year's Day?
Participant’s will receive a Resolution Run mug, a No Peek Envelope from the Runner’s Edge, and the chance to get 2021 started on the right foot — all for only $5!
AND there is a bonus prize! If we achieve our 2,021 mile goal, RE Events' Adam Peterman will do a polar plunge in the Clark Fork River, which will be shared on social media.
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Here are the updated running statistics for our club through November 30th, 2020:
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So far, we have run 145,556 miles in 2020
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As a club, we are averaging 410 miles per day
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160 of our members have recorded some or all of their miles in our database
It's not too late to upload your miles for 2020! Make sure you input running mileage for 2020 before January 20th, 2021 to be eligible for your mileage club gift. Click HERE to log your miles.
Find out more information about the 1200/2000 Mile Club by clicking here.
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Run Wild Missoula Information |
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CONNECT WITH RUN WILD MISSOULA
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