Running Wild | April 2021
Run Wild Missoula Interim Executive Director:
Seeking Permanence
Let me start by stating this loud and clear: I am not leaving Run Wild Missoula.

However, it is time for Run Wild Missoula to begin its search for a permanent Executive Director and return to full staffing capacity.

"Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best." - Michael Johnson, Olympian

I spent my first three and a half years with Run Wild Missoula learning from one of the best mentors a person could hope for; my "long stretch of hard work." So, after the sudden passing of Tony last October, it seemed only natural for me to step in and keep RWM moving forward. These last 6 months have been my "brief moment to perform at my best" in the Interim Executive Director role.

Now that we have made it through the winter months and have our spring and summer planned out, including the fate of the 2021 Missoula Marathon, it only seems appropriate to forge ahead in the search of our new, permanent leader. More information about the position and how to apply will be out soon.

Once the position has been filled, I will return to my prior role as Run Wild Missoula's Director of Operations.

If you have any questions about my decision to step down or about the Executive Director position, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Run wild, run free –
Ashley
612.388.1817
Member Spotlight: Russell LaFontaine
This month's member spotlight features Russell LaFontaine. Although Russell works as a Public Defender for the state, when he’s not in the office he is a seeker of solitude. His passion for activity started in the 90’s as an avid walker, hiker, and runner. He grew up playing basketball, football, and baseball but something changed when Russell completed his first marathon in 2011. It wasn’t just any marathon though, he chose the Missoula Marathon as his introduction to the sport. He felt the attraction of the challenge and a craving for more. Since then, Russell has gone on to run countless marathons, including marathons in 11 other states. He’s completed the Missoula Marathon eight times and helps lead the pacing group for the four hour and ten minute group. His passion for running doesn’t stop on the pavement though, Russell splits his time between roads and trails.


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 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.
Upcoming Races with Run Wild Missoula
Run for Missoula | Springtime Scamper
April 5th - 11th
Our final installment of the Run for Missoula Virtual Race Series starts on April 5th. The Springtime Scamper benficiary is Opportunity Resources. Funds from this 12K race will be used to support the safe, intentional return of their clients to work and enrichment programs like The Artists of Opportunity.

For more information and to register, click here.
Run for the Trees
April 17th
Celebrate Missoula's urban forest with Run Wild Missoula and Missoula Parks & Recreation at the 29th annual Run for the Trees on Saturday, April 17, 2021. There will be a 10K in-person option as well as a virtual 5K option. This year participants will receive a tree seedling and a custom 5L dry bag. The Run for the Trees will take place at Fort Missoula Regional Park.

For more information & to register, click here.
Pengelly Double Dip & Bob Hayes Single Dip
June 5th
Save the Date! The 18th Annual Pengelly Double Dip and Bob Hayes Single Dip will take place on Saturday, June 5, 2021. Registration will open on Thursday, April 15th. Spots for both events are limited. This year's Pengelly swag is a stellar pair of socks. More information coming soon!

Stay tuned for information about our next installment of Run for Missoula, featuring the following beneficiaries:
MMIP Montana, The Center,
Soft Landing, and Tamarack Grief Resource Center
RWM Club Miles
So far this year, we have collectively walked or ran 24,110 miles!

Interested in logging your miles for 2021? 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.

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 youv'e already claimed you RWM account. Once you've completed the sign up process, you can return to the Mileage Club page and submit your results under the Results tab.


For more information about Mileage Club, click here.

If you have any questions, email Sally, [email protected]
Racemakers & Run Wilder

We are already six races into 2021, can you believe it? An updated Racemaker list can be found below. The data that we use to create the Racemaker lists comes from RunSignup. To eliminate errors, we recommend that members consolidate their RunSignup accounts. If you have multiple RunSignup accounts that have different spelling or usage of hyphens/middle names, it throws off the data set. Here's a helpful article and video on how to consolidate accounts.

An updated Racemakers list can be found here.

For questions regarding Racemakers and Run Wilder, email Sally, [email protected]
Around Town
The Sentinel Hill Climb
Be part of Missoula's longest running trail race with Runner's Edge! With 2,000 feet of elevation gain in only a 1.5 miles, this course is short, steep, and ends on the proud summit of Mount Sentinel. Participants will receive a 2021 Hill Climb mug and a scoop of Big Dipper Ice Cream. There will be an in-person and a virtual option. The race will be held on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021. Registration is open.

For more information and to register, click here.
Virtual Women's Running Clinic
Sapphire Physical Therapy and The Runner's Edge are excited to host their annual Women's Running Clinic next Saturday, April 10th at 10:00AM. They will start things off with a virtual seminar with various speakers from the community covering topics related to all things running. Then, they have an optional in-person seminar at the Sapphire Physical Therapy clinic where you can participate in a running analysis, go through a sample strength training workout, and ask physical therapists questions.

For more information and to register, click here.
Run for Cody 5K
The Cody Dieruf Benefit Foundation is excited to host their first virtual Run for Cody 5K. Get moving this Memorial Day weekend in support of Montana individuals and families living with cystic fibrosis. Racers can compete anytime, anywhere between May 28th and May 31st. All registration fees and donations benefit The Cody Dieruf Benefit Foundation and their mission to provide emotional and financial support to the cystic fibrosis community in Montana.

For more information and to register, click here.
Membership Benefits
Run Wild Missoula Information
Run Wild Missoula | 406.544.7073 | [email protected] | www.runwildmissoula.org
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