Run Wild Missoula Monthly Newsletter

Running Wild | June 2021

Run Wild Missoula Interim Executive Director: The End of Spring

Here at Run Wild Missoula, the month of June is somewhat of a transition month for us. We are finishing up spring training classes and trail sessions, wrapping up our spring races, and in final preparation for the Missoula Marathon. We typically function on a spring and fall calendar, with summer being a time for members to get out and explore all that Montana has to offer.

By the end of June this year, we will have:

Donated over $17,000 back to the Missoula community through our winter Run for Missoula Virtual Race Series, Run for the Trees, and our contribution to the M Trail Restoration Project;
Had 7 M Trail Stewardship Days (12 working hours; 60+ volunteers),
Held three in-person races (Run for the Luck of It, Run for the Trees, and the Pengelly Double Dip & Bob Hayes Single Dip);
Hosted two beer runs (and a pint night!);
Added two new group run opportunities (Wednesday Wild Miles);
Had over 125 members in training classes;
And, over 1,300 participants in the virtual Missoula Marathon events.

We also transitioned to a new membership platform, started the process of updating the Run Wild Missoula website (you read that right!), and are in the process of hiring a new Executive Director! It is nice to look back at all that we have accomplished so far; and, as we always like to remind you, this is because of our vibrant and engaged membership. We truly cannot do any of this without your continued support.

Looking ahead at the rest of the calendar year, you can expect things to look a bit more “normal.” We anticipate being able to provide our typical fall race calendar, offer our beginner running 101 class, fall trail sessions, our annual member meeting, and more. Run Wild Missoula is excited to see more members in-person at upcoming events and activities, and continue to provide a healthy outlet for all of our walkers and runners.

Run wild, run free –

Ashley

Member Spotlight: Jay Brooker

This month’s member spotlight features Jay Brooker. Jay has been a member of Run Wild Missoula since 2010 and an integral part of the running community ever since. He’s participated in many of our training classes and events over the years. Aside from being an avid participant, Jay also lends a helping hand at many of the Run Wild Missoula events. Chances are that you’ve crossed paths with him at some point!

Learn More About Jay Here >>>

Our member spotlight format has taken on a different shape. We really value our members and want to highlight who they are both as people in our membership and also in the community. We hope that you enjoy getting to know each other as much as we do!

Member Spotlight Nomination Form

Do you know someone from our Run Wild Missoula community that we should get to know better? With over 1,400 members, we have a wealth of talent, passion, expertise, inspiration, and enthusiasm for running and walking among us. Click Here to Nominate

Missoula Marathon Volunteer Opportunities

Just because the Missoula Marathon is virtual this year doesn't mean we don't need volunteers! We are looking for volunteers to help assemble and fill runner boxes, as well as help with distribution. We have suggested time slots available HERE.

Can't make those work, but want to help out?? Email Ashley

MTC Stewardship Opportunity • June 17th

Join Montana Trail Crew in partnership with Friends of the M Trail to help restore one of Missoula's most iconic trails, the M Trail. Our next day of stewardship will be on Thursday, June 17th from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM. No prior experience is necessary and all are welcome. Stewardship days are limited to 10 volunteers and free. We ask that you please RSVP so that we know how many tools to bring.

For more information & to sign up, click here.

Pint Night & Last Wednesday Beer Run

Join us at Cranky Sam Public House for a Pint Night on Monday, June 21st for a cold beverage! For every tap beer or wine sold, $1.00 will be donated to Run Wild Missoula!

All donations will be placed into the Tony Banovich Fund. 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. This fund will be used as Run Wild Missoula's charitable giving arm for future community contributions.

Questions? Email Ashley

Join us at Draught Works on Wednesday, June 30th for our Last Wednesday Beer Run!

The popular food truck, Big Thai Country, will be on site that night for post-run feasting. Yum!

A 3 and 5 mile course will be offered. Our beer runs are open to everyone - Run Wild Missoula membership is not required. As outlined in our "Rules of the Run," for safety reasons, we ask that dogs are not present during the Beer Run.

Questions? Please contact our Chancellor of Libations

BOP Run - Walk Socials

BOP Run - Walk Socials are back! Run Wild Missoula welcomes runners and walkers at any pace. We make that welcome even more inviting with activities aimed at the Back of the Pack (BOP) Our program is always evolving, reflecting the interests of members. BOP Socials are a great way to meet other runners and walkers in our community of all paces!

Stay tuned for details about our next BOP Socials by joining the Run Walk Run Wild Facebook group or subscribing to the Monthly BOP bulletin by emailing backofpack@runwildmissoula.org.

RWM Club Miles

So far this year, we have collectively walked or ran 48,647 miles! Interested in logging your miles for 2021? We have a new system this year!

To sign up, go to the RWM club page on RunSignup and click on Mileage Club on the lefthand side. You will need to enter your information into the form and the platform should recognize you as a member if you have already claimed you RWM account. Once you have completed the sign up process, you can return to the Mileage Club page and submit your miles under the Results tab.

RWM Members who run or walk over 1200 or 2000 miles in one year will receive a Run Wild Missoula customized gift. Even if you didn't run or walk over 1200 miles, we still encourage you to post your miles! We love to see how much activity our club really does. Members must sign up for Mileage Club by June 30th, 2021 to be able to continue logging mileage.

Video: How to set up Mileage Club account & log miles

For more information about Mileage Club, click here.

If you have any questions, email Sally, sallyh@runwildmissoula.org