Glacier Challenge adventure relay coming July 7

By DAVID ERICKSON

Whitefish Pilot

Sporting enthusiasts of all stripes won't want to miss the fifth annual Glacier Challenge Adventure Relay on July 7 in Whitefish.

If you want to compete, prepare for 55 miles of running, canoeing, kayaking, road biking and mountain biking with some of the best athletes in the area.

If you are a spectator, life will be much easier for you as there will be kegs, raffle prizes, food, live music and face-painting for the kids.

The event has something for everybody, and it's all for a good cause as well. The entry fees go to benefit the Youth Homes' Flathead Attention Home, a local non-profit shelter for youth in crisis.

"We started this because we were looking for a creative fundraiser, because I was tired of silent auctions," said event organizer Hannah Plumb. "Something to involve a lot of people."

The race will begin at 7 a.m. at Riverside Park in Whitefish. It's a six-leg relay consisting of a 5K run, a 10K run, a seven-mile canoe and three-mile kayak race, a 27-mile bike ride and an eight-mile mountain bike ride, all on varying terrain.

Participants can enter as solo racers, couples or teams that consist of as many as seven people. Plumb said 38 teams already registered, although she could accept as many as 20 more by the day of the race.

There will be a 6:30 a.m. informational meeting the day of the race, and the 10K run will kick off the competition.

Entry fees are $50 for solo racers, $100 for couples, and $210 for teams. All proceeds go to the Flathead Attention Home, which is trying to build a permanent facility where young people can receive stability and a positive environment along with the help of counselors.

The award ceremony will feature live music from Billy Angel and Marshall Noice, and drawings will be held for prizes from various local businesses. One lucky winner will take home the official 2007 Glacier Challenge e-Go pace scooter, provided by Great Scoot, in Kalispell. Food will be provided by Qdoba Mexican Grill. The awards party will also take place at Riverside Park.

For more information, call Plumb at 406-250-0277. Entry forms, race information, maps and a detailed description of each leg can be found online at www.youthhomes.com/glacier_challenge.