Island Park Idaho

If you are a runner who frequents the Island Park area, chances are you already know about the “fun run” on Sawtelle Peak. The event is organized to have something for everyone. There is a half marathon (13.2 miles) a 10K, a 5K and 1K for kids (I hope it’s kids of all ages, because 1K might be all I could manage.)

Much of the terrain is challenging, but nothing that would preclude a reasonably fit person from completing the course. This is one of the premier events in the west for mountain runners. But even more fun, US gold dollars are given to the winner of each event. (I’ll bet those kids never even see me coming.) Because the stampede is on the 4th of July, participants are urged to wear patriotic colors (of course that’s red, white, and blue, regardless of your heritage.) To make sure participants follow that request, there will also be an award for most patriotic clothing.

You can register at www.sawtellestampede.com If you register early (before June 19) you get a free tee shirt. If you’re going to run anyway, might as well have the tee shirt. It’s a great way to meet runners of the opposite sex!