Virtual or actual?

Running events for the summer up in the air

 


Virtual runs are fun, but it’s hard to beat the real thing.

Hoping the summer running schedule can still be salvaged, perhaps in an altered form, but salvaged nonetheless, Clark Fork Valley Running Club president Sarah Naegeli said that plans are still being made for the Huckleberry Run, normally part of the already-cancelled Huckleberry Festival in Trout Creek, and the Missoula Marathon.

High level talks between race officials are underway as the situation evolves.

“The Huckleberry Run has not officially been cancelled,” Naegeli said. “We are thinking about maybe still being able to run it; with different regulations, staggered starts, having locals only… things like that.”

Saying she will announce the go or no-go decision as soon as possible (the race will be the first or second weekend of August), Naegeli said that several area runners are also planning on competing in the Missoula Marathon, which, since it too has been cancelled, will be run virtually, like so many road races are going this year of COVID-19.

Naegeli said participating in virtual runs is relatively easy, but that using times from virtual runs is tricky because the courses are usually not certified, and it can cost quite a bit to certify a course before a race.

She said she will keep the local running community, and the Ledger apprised as to what she finds about this summer’s running schedule as she learns about it. Also the Thompson Falls High School cross country and track and field distance running coach, Naegeli, an avid runner herself, lives the sport she loves so much.

“It would sure be nice to get everybody together again,” he said, “but we have to get through this pandemic safely too.

“We will keep exploring options, trying to figure out a way to make something happen.”

The annual Skunk Alley Run, normally held in Hot Springs as part of Homesteader Days, is believed to be cancelled. The bulk of Homesteader Days activities, including the Skunk Alley Run, have been shelved but, as of this writing, the non-sanctioned rodeo was still tentatively on.

 

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