The COVID-19 pandemic has been an undeniable challenge to produce in-person race events. Hence the mass cancellation of events around the country – which is now extending into the fall. Here in Missoula, the ability to conduct in-person events is based on the criteria established under the Governor’s Directives and the City County Health Orders.
After reviewing those guidelines and communicating with health department staff, we have found it very challenging to successfully, and safely, meet the guidelines for traditional in-person events of more than 50 people. As a result, and after consultation with the RWM Board of Directors, we do not believe that we can safely host our traditional late-summer and fall in-person races in 2020. This includes Roots Run, Diva Day, Pumpkin Run, Elk Ramble & Turkey Day.
Instead, we will conduct two in-person races under a highly structured protocol that will allow us to safely manage participant flow, event space access, and social distancing. These races will take place at the PaddleHeads’ ballpark (September 12th) and at the University of Montana Track at Dornblaser Field (October 11th).
Why new in-person races and why not just convert one of our existing races? That’s sort of like the question of who is your favorite child? There is no good way to make that choice without someone’s feelings being hurt.
We will also undertake a four event, “Run for Missoula” virtual race series that will run from August into December. Proceeds from these events will be donated to local nonprofit organizations or community partners.
One of the challenges of leadership is having to make difficult and/or unpopular decisions for the greater good. To that end, Run Wild Missoula will not produce races in the current environment unless we are completely comfortable that we have done our best to protect the safety and mitigated the risk for our members, race participants and greater Missoula community. Further, we will not promote or support events by other organizations that have not demonstrated that they are following basic safety and risk management guidelines.
Photo by Votography Images.
Please check each individual race page for updates.
2020 Calendar of Races
New Year's Eve 2 Mile Prediction Run, Photo by Votography Images.
Jan 19: Tuesday Buddy Run
Jan 19: Tuesday Track
Jan 21: Thursday Buddy Run
Jan 23: Saturday Group Run
Jan 26: Tuesday Buddy Run
Jan 26: Tuesday Track
Jan 28: Thursday Buddy Run
Jan 30: Saturday Group Run
Feb 02: Tuesday Buddy Run
Feb 02: Tuesday Track
Feb 04: Thursday Buddy Run
Feb 06: Saturday Group Run
Feb 09: Tuesday Buddy Run
Feb 09: Tuesday Track
Feb 11: Thursday Buddy Run
Feb 13: Saturday Group Run
Feb 16: Tuesday Buddy Run
Feb 16: Tuesday Track
Feb 18: Thursday Buddy Run
Feb 20: Saturday Group Run
Feb 23: Tuesday Buddy Run
Feb 23: Tuesday Track
Feb 25: Thursday Buddy Run
Feb 27: Saturday Group Run
Feb 27: Virtual Snow Joke Half Marathon
Mar 02: Tuesday Buddy Run
Mar 02: Tuesday Track
Mar 04: Thursday Buddy Run
Mar 06: Saturday Group Run
Mar 09: Tuesday Buddy Run
Mar 09: Tuesday Track
Mar 11: Thursday Buddy Run
Mar 13: Saturday Group Run
Mar 16: Tuesday Buddy Run
Mar 16: Tuesday Track
Mar 18: Thursday Buddy Run
Mar 20: Saturday Group Run
Mar 23: Tuesday Buddy Run
Mar 23: Tuesday Track
Mar 25: Thursday Buddy Run
Mar 27: Saturday Group Run
Mar 30: Tuesday Buddy Run