I was recently visiting with someone and they suggested that every city had a great running club and that Missoula and Run Wild Missoula were no different. Well, I had to respectively disagree.

When I go to running industry conferences and tell them that we have 1,600 members in a community of around 75,000 people they are stunned. When I tell them about the wide array of club races, activities, and events that we have, they're suitably impressed. When I tell them that we have the 2-time top ranked Marathon; and, the #1 Running Store in the US - well they start to get the idea.

But, the comment was made while I was at The Rut in Big Sky. And, as I looked around it really dawned on me what a great running community we really have. As I thought about all of the people that were volunteering, I realized that these are the same folks that also help out with the Missoula Marathon. Oh yeah, and they also help put together the best high school cross country meet in the Northwest US (Mountain West XC). (Did I count right, or was that 3 of the biggest race events in the northwest!?!?) Of course, every time we have a race, a group run, trail classes, beer run, and more - this "family" comes together and makes it happen.

So, I let them know that when they start to have some of these successes, then they can come and see me. Until then, I told them to come and see the best running community around while we're out on the roads, tracks, and trails.

 

Tony

Run Wild Missoula is growing its staff - please join us in welcoming Elizabeth Wasserman as Program Coordinator!

Elizabeth is originally from Upstate New York. She first came to Montana in the Summer of 2018 as a Ranger at Glacier National Park, she returned this year with the hope of making Montana her permanent home. Elizabeth was introduced to RWM and their mission after participating in the 2018 Missoula Half Marathon. Elizabeth has been running since 2008, when she started running for her middle school cross country and track teams. She has been running ever since. She was a competitive runner through her high school and college careers. Currently, Elizabeth trains for long distance road races. She has experience coaching varsity cross country and is also a private running coach. When Elizabeth isn’t running, she can be found enjoying the outdoors.

Where are you from? What brought you to Missoula?

I grew up in Butte, America. After college, I worked in Plains, Rancho Mirage, CA, and Billings.  We spent a bit over 16 year in Billings while I worked for the City of Billings, follow by Billings Clinic.  In 2007, my wife Erin (who is from Plains) put together a deal that would allow her to work remotely and to help keep an eye on her mom and dad (her dad had a couple of strokes and passed away in 2008).  I took a job for a consulting firm (Sanderson Stewart) out of Billings and we moved to Plains that summer.  In the summer of 2014, the position here at Run Wild Missoula became available and I was fortunate enough to land the job.  We now split our time between Missoula and Plains and love the small town/big town dichotomy.

Learn More About Tony Here >>>

Tony has been Run Wild Missoula's Executive Director for 5 years this month!

Do you know someone from our Run Wild Missoula community that we should get to know better? Click Here to Nominate

Join Run Wild Missoula on Wednesday, September 18th at The Public House (130 E Broadway) for our Annual Meeting of Members

Come find out what your club has been up to this past year and see what's in the works for 2020! The Run Wild Missoula Board of Directors will give a report, acknowledge exceptional club member and volunteers (that you can nominate!), and ask for your input. As always, there will be time to socialize with running and walking friends.

4 Mile Run at 5:30 PM; Dinner, Awards, & Meeting at 6:30 PM

To RSVP, Click Here

 Please RSVP so we have enough food and seating for everyone

Click Here for More Information

On October 26, 2006, Run Wild Missoula officially became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization! As such, Run Wild Missoula is required to have an annual meeting of its members. Thirteen years later, we still don't mind pulling everyone together - we're always looking for an excuse to hang out, run, eat, drink and socialize! 

Each year at Run Wild Missoula's Annual Member Meeting, we take time to recognize members nominated by fellow club members. Our club is diverse and full of amazing members, we would love to learn more about those who inspire YOU!

There are 5 categories:

Nominations are easy - simply fill out the form HERE

Nomination close Tuesday, September 10th at 11:59 PM

At the end of the nomination form, you will have the opportunity to be entered into a drawing for FREE entry into any 2020 Missoula Marathon weekend event (full, half, or 5K), and new RWM gear.

Click here to see a list of past winners.

Click here to learn more about our 2018 winners.

Are you having a hard time getting motivated to start running, or do you lack consistency? Don’t know where to begin? Don’t want to do it alone? Perhaps you are coming back from a long absence from running and need to build up slowly.  

If so, Beginner Running 101  is just the thing for you! This fun training program will get you ready for Run Wild Missoula's fall races, like Diva Day and the Pumpkin Run. And, if all goes well, once the class is over you'll continue running as part of a fit, active and healthy lifestyle.

This is truly a beginner's class, so don't be intimidated. Pace doesn't matter - all you need is the willingness to take that first step. You'll start by mixing walking with running. Gradually the run segments will increase and you'll find yourself running further than you maybe ever thought possible! Your goal will be to complete a 5K run, and our goal will be to inspire you to keep on going long after this training class is finished.

Join class leaders  Miranda, Spring, and Kelsi  on  Wednesdays  at 6:00 PM and  Saturdays  at 8:30 AM. The first class will meet on Wednesday, September 4th.

For more information and to join the class,  click here .

Run Wild Missoula Membership Required.

Celebrate women in Missoula, and throughout Western Montana, at the Diva Day 5K Run/Walk event on Saturday, September 21st!  Be part of an event that promotes and supports empowering women and girls of all ages and abilities. Registration includes exclusive race swag, finisher's medal, access to Diva Day Expo (including post-race mimosas), chip timing, entry into post-race raffle drawings, and more!

Run Wild Missoula will donate 20% of race proceeds to YWCA Missoula's Pathways Program. Domestic violence impacts the lives of countless women across all backgrounds, and is a leading cause of homelessness among families with children. YWCA Missoula is committed to ending domestic and sexual violence because everyone deserves to be safe. Funds raised will go to  YWCA Missoula's Pathways Program , which provides shelter and support to survivors of interpersonal violence.

For more information and registration, Click Here

The 24th Annual Pumpkin Run will be held on Saturday, October 19th at Silver Park.

This is a fun, low-key, budget friendly fall race to keep you motivated and moving into the colder months! With both a 5K and Kid's Dash, there is something for everyone in the family. Proceeds from this year's run will go towards Muscular Dystrophy Association and UM Kless Revolving Energy Loan Fund .

For more information and registration, Click Here

Don't miss the opportunity to take part in the only organized trail race on Mt. Jumbo on Sunday, November 3rd.  As part of this exclusive event, you will experience stunning landscapes as you traverse the winter home of the Mt. Jumbo elk herd. The Mount Jumbo Wildlife Management Area closes to all recreation on December 1st - take this chance to practice responsible recreation on Missoula's Conservation & Open Space Lands and welcome the wildlife herds back to Jumbo!

Registration Opens on Thursday, September 18th at 8:00 AM

For more information, Click Here.

We will again be offering a virtual option for the Elk Ramble. Click Here for More Info

Join us on Thursday, November 28th and get some fresh air and exercise before feasting on a Thanksgiving meal!  The Turkey Day 8K and 3K Family Fun Run courses travel along the Riverfront and Milwaukee Trails, with short distances on a few Missoula city streets. All pre-registered 8K participants will receive a custom designed winter hat from BOCO. The 3K is free, untimed, and great for kids and families!

Registration Opens on Thursday, September 26th at 8:00 AM

For more information, Click Here.

Saturday, September 14th at Frenchtown Pond State Park

3:00 PM - Meet at Frenchtown Pond State Park

Run or walk on the bike trail

4:00 PM - Potluck Social at Old Bull Brewing

16862 Beckwith Street; Frenchtown

Purchase Beverages & Bring a Snack to Share

We look forward to checking out a fun new venue!

Questions? Email BOP Leader, Pam Gardiner

It's hard to believe we're through 8 months of the year - we've made it to Cross Country season! Here are the updated running statistics for our club through August 31, 2019:

Are you feeling inspired to be part of the 1200/2000 Mile Club in 2019?? It's not too late! Simply log your miles throughout the year - this can be done daily, weekly, or monthly. At the end of the year, we will award the Mile Club members with a gift!

Find out more information about the 1200/2000 Mile Club by  clicking here .

Missoula Urban Indian Health Center 5K , September 7, Missoula

Big Bear Stampede 9K, September 7, Gardiner

Treasure State Trail Series Race

The Nitty Gritty Half Marathon, September 8, Red Lodge

TSTS Race

John Colter Run 12K, September 15, Three Forks

TSTS Race

FCPO Homecoming Fun Run, September 15, Florence

GASPing for Air 5K, September 28, Missoula

Hootenanny 100K , October 6, Lolo

Whitefish Legacy Run Half Marathon , October 6, Whitefish

TSTS Race