Running Wild | November 2020
Run Wild Missoula Interim Executive Director: Thankful
November seems like a cliché time to be thankful, but we have a lot to be thankful for.  Here are just a few things to be thankful for this season:

Missoula is a beautiful place we are fortunate to call home.  There are many opportunities to recreate outside on public land.  Did you know that your membership dues help Run Wild Missoula make contributions to community projects that help fulfill our mission?  We were able to contribute $75,000 to the Mount Dean Stone project between 2016 and 2018; and, we continue to make contributions to Five Valleys Land Trust throughout the year with proceeds from events and training classes.  We are seeing the continuation of this project come to fruition with the Mount Dean Stone Corridor and associated trail development.

More recently, Run Wild Missoula committed $20,000 to the M Trail restoration project. This incredibly popular trail is getting a bit of a face lift to help its longevity and user accessibility. In addition to dollars donated, a number of members have also volunteered hours on the trails helping with development. While 2020 has put a wrench in our ability to offer more trail work days to help with these projects, we hope to offer more opportunities in the future.

Run Wild Missoula is lucky to have members like you who continue to be engaged with us throughout the pandemic.  We have missed seeing so many of you at training classes, races, beer runs, and everything in between!  You keep showing up (virtually) to support the club, and we are very appreciative.  While we continue to flex our creative muscle and find new ways to keep you engaged, we hope you have been enjoying some of the different opportunities we have provided this year.

Now, personally, I am grateful to the many folks who reached out in the days after Tony’s passing.  Whether you leant an ear, a shoulder to cry on (there have been a lot of tears, and I have no shame in that), or offered to do menial tasks like stuff envelopes, I have been truly touched.  I never anticipated stepping into this role after losing a coworker and friend, but you all have made it just a little bit easier.  Tony was such a special person, and we all have our own memories of him.  I hope this year, you are grateful for the incredible impact he had on your life and the Missoula running community.

Run wild, run free –
Ashley
Member Spotlight: Julie McCloskey
Where are you from? What brought you to Missoula?

I grew up in the Hudson Valley, NY but have been living out West in various spots for the past 10 years. I most recently moved from Vancouver, BC where I was studying Holistic Nutrition. After graduation, I had an extremely strong gut feeling that I MUST live in Montana. The components of this desire were: easier access to trails/mountains, a more tight knit running community, and, on a broader level, to be part of a more authentic community (no offense, big cities). It was between Bozeman and Missoula, and let’s just say, I’m super happy with my choice. The community, life priorities, and trail access here is unparalleled.
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.
Virtual Turkey Day 8K & 3K Family Fun Run
Gather your flock and run wild this Thanksgiving!  Registration is now open for this year's Virtual Turkey Day 8K & 3K Family Fun Run. Complete your run, walk, or run-walk anywhere and anytime on Thursday, November 26th.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Montana Food Bank Network. The Coronavirus pandemic has put additional financial strains on families across Montana who were already vulnerable and needing food assistance. According to the Montana Food Bank Network, demand has increased anywhere from 30-60% in Montana's seven largest counties; and has increased by 20% in rural areas.

Run for Missoula Virtual Race Series
Autumn Amble • November 16 - 22
Funds will be used to help Missoula community members in need during the holiday season.

Cost: $15

Distance: 6.2 Miles / 10K
Week to Complete: November 16th through 22nd
Snowy Stride • December 14 - 20
Funds will be used to help Missoula community members in need during the holiday season.

Cost: $15

Distance: 7.4 Miles / 12K
Strava Route Coming November 30th
Week to Complete: December 14th through 20th
Around Town
"We Got Hustle" Challenge; Runner's Edge & New Balance
RWM Club Miles
Here are the updated running statistics for our club through October 31st, 2020:

  • So far, we have run 128,706 miles in 2020
  • As a club, we are averaging 421 miles per day
  • 155 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.
Membership Benefits
Run Wild Missoula Information
Run Wild Missoula | 406.544.7073 | [email protected] | www.runwildmissoula.org
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