Retreat dates are September 24-26, 2021, and includes a workshop to develop your skills as a trail runner and prevent injury, nourishing meals from locally grown food, yoga to re-center and refocus, and the opportunity to build community with fellow female runners and give back to the land through fireside chats and community science.

To learn more and sign-up, visit basecampcascadia.org/runintothewild.

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Since the 2020 race had to be cancelled due to COVID-19, race organizers wanted to ensure that the 2021 race was “shutdown proof.” Volunteers quickly learned how to shift this one-of-a-kind race into a virtual event for people all over the Pacific Northwest to enjoy safely in their own way. The 2021 virtual Spokane River Run is set for anytime between April 16 and April 25.

2021 Event to Honor Longtime Participant Stephanie Schrimshire

This year marks the first virtual race but also the first race without one of the River Run’s longtime participants, Stephanie Schrimshire.  At 82, she was the oldest participant to run the 25k and an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know her. Stephanie was an avid biker and runner and began riding her bike to work on a daily basis in the late 70s, long before it was popular. Biking along with running were lifeblood to Stephanie and she participated in numerous Spokane events including the Spokane River Run.

Year after year Stephanie would ride her bike from her South Hill home to Riverside State Park, run the 25k trail, and then bike home again. With a smile on her face and joy that exuded from her, she made a point to stop at the water stations along the trail to visit with the volunteers, especially with the kids that were helping out; she embodied the true spirit of this run with her positive, community-oriented spirit.

Each year proceeds from the race not only benefit the Garfield APPLE program, but also Education First, Odyssey, and the North Central Girls Cross Country Track Team. This year a portion of proceeds will also be used to establish a scholarship, the Stephanie Scrimshire Scholarship, which will be awarded to a North Central High School senior.

Stephanie taught at North Central High School for over 25 years and had a lasting impact on many students, staff, and community members. She was a highlight of the run and will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know her. Race organizers hope that by establishing a scholarship in her name, the run can continue to honor her legacy.  

2021 Spokane River Run Virtual Race Details

Many 2021 participants plan to run the traditional race route at Riverside State Park, and we want to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy scenic views of the

Spokane River as you traverse single-track trails through pine forest. If not, the beauty of a virtual race is the flexibility to choose when and where you run whether it be a treadmill or neighborhood run, the important part is getting active for a great cause.

Race dates are April 16-25 with registration open now. Race distances for the 2021 virtual race include 5K, 10K, 25K, and 50K. More information regarding cost, race info, trail location, and registration link can be found here.

Read more about 2021 live and virtual races in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene area.

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The spring running and racing season will be here before we know it, and Inland Northwest race and running event creators Negative Split have plenty of in-person and virtual races on the calendar to safely bring runners together. From full marathons to 5K and options in between, there’s the right length for all runners with plenty of time yet to train.

Runners can choose from one of these three classic Inland Northwest races.

Split Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k run set for April 18 is a Spokane favorite in the Kendall Yards neighborhood.  Choose from live or virtual event options. More details here.

The Windermere Marathon May 16 along the Centennial Trail and Spokane River is known for PR’s and Boston qualifying. There are also half marathon and 5K length options as well as live and virtual versions of the event. Find all the details here.

On May 30 the Coeur d’Alene Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k run comes to Coeur d’Alene. It’s one of the most spectacular events in the country that attracts racers far and wide, with live and virtual options planned this year. More info here.

Racers rave about Negative Split’s high-energy, positive events that provide professional racing experiences for serious racers as well as a welcoming and supportive environment for those who are new to racing. When you sign up for a Negative Split event, you know you’re in for a memorable, energizing good time.

The Split Half Marathon—April 18, 2021

Race Details 
Location: Kendall Yards, Spokane, WA
Distances: Live or Virtual Half Marathon, 10k or 5k
More info and registration
Event Beneficiary: Union Gospel Mission & Second Harvest Inland Northwest
Read more about the event refund policy here

The Split Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k run is one of the Spokane favorites.  Start and finish in the trendy Kendall Yards neighborhood right on Summit Parkway with views of the Spokane River. Run a beautiful course along the river and through the new Riverfront Park.  Participants always rave about the great swag and gear. This race is sure to be your next favorite. 1,200 runners participated in safely-produced live and virtual versions of the Split in 2020, and this year will be even better.

Registration
The Split is part of the Run The PNW race series. Registration includes an awesome finisher shirt, blingin’ finisher medal, and one of the best half marathons in the region! No day of race registration is allowed. Shirts are only guaranteed for participants registering more than 10 days before the race. Shirts are on a first-come-first-serve basis for those registering less than 10 days before. The Virtual Run can be completed anytime between April 9 and April 18, 2021. Virtual runners can pick-up their packet at the normal packet pick-up times free of charge or they can opt to have their packets shipped for $10.

Prices increase after February 28!

Windermere Marathon—May 16, 2021

Race Details
Location: Spokane River Centennial Trail, Spokane, WA
Distances: Live or Virtual Marathon, Half Marathon or 5k
More info and registration
Event Beneficiary: Windermere Foundation
Read more about the event refund policy here

The Windermere Marathon is truly a PNW gem with a fast and flat course that is known for PR’s and Boston qualifying. Both the half marathon and the marathon course follow the centennial trail along the scenic Spokane River! This race is a runner favorite among beginners through elite races trying to PR.

Registration
Join us for the 2021 Windermere Marathon, full of swag and a whole new after party experience! The Virtual Run can be completed anytime between May 7 and May 16, 2021. Virtual runners can pick-up their packet at the normal packet pick-up times free of charge or they can opt to have their packets shipped for $10. The 2020 Windermere Marathon had 1,300 people participate in socially distant and safe live racing and the virtual option.

Prices increase after March 31!

Coeur d’Alene Marathon—May 30, 2021

Race Details
Location: McEuen Park, Coeur d’Alene, ID
Distances: Live or Virtual Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k or 5k
More info and registration
Event Beneficiary: North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation
Read more about the event refund policy here

The Coeur d’Alene Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k run offers one of the most spectacular events in the country and it’s a Boston Qualifier. At an elevation of 2200 feet above sea level, the resort community of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, resting on the shores of spectacular Lake Coeur d’Alene, welcomes visitors to one of the most breathtaking races in North America. The event has been rated the number one race in Idaho two years in a row (best Half Marathon & best Marathon)

Registration
Select between Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k race distances. This year’s race will also offer live and virtual race options. The Kids Marathon and Half Marathon Challenge is also back by popular demand! Shirts are only guaranteed for participants registering more than 10 days before the race. Shirts are on a first-come-first-serve basis for those registering less than 10 days before. No day of race registration is allowed. The 2020 event hosted 1,700 runners for the socially distant and safe live race and virtual events. The Virtual Run can be completed anytime between May 21 and May 30, 2021. Virtual runners can pick-up their packet at the normal packet pick-up times free of charge or they can opt to have their packets shipped for $10.

Prices increase after April 14!

Read more about Inland Northwest races that are being planned with COVID safety in mind for the 2021 race season.

(Sponsored Content)

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“Running is a lifestyle [for] me and allows me to mentally decompress or to prepare for my upcoming day,” says 35-year-old Dr. Kai Sharbano, mom of two sons, ages 4 and 1.5, and member of the Spokane Swifts running club. She ran her first marathon at age 20 and has now completed nearly 40 marathons, plus a few Ironmans and 50K ultra runs. “I’m a better wife, mother, and surgeon when I run and get some ‘me’ time. Running [helps] me let my day go and be present for my children and husband. I feel mentally better about myself, and I’m a happier and more engaged mother because I run,” she says.  

Currently training for the Coeur d’Alene Marathon, she runs 45-55 miles per week, which requires 6-8 hours. Her workouts are typically done by the times her kids wake up for the day—sometimes starting as early as 4 a.m. “My husband is an amazing support and will always cheer me on. He knows how important running is to me,” says Sharbano. She occasionally trains while pushing her older son, Knox, in a jogging stroller, and last summer ran some 5k races this way.  

Another Spokane mom and Swifts member is Julie Lehman-Smith, 37— who trains year-round, has two sons (age 12 and 9), and works full-time as a physical therapist. A runner since a pre-teen, she ran her first marathon at age 24, and completed her first triathlon 8 years ago and first Ironman 4 years ago. Ironman training requires 15-25 hours a week, with 1.5 to 6 hours a day during the peak phase. “Most of the time that means getting up at 2:30 every morning to get my workouts in before I start my day. My family understands how much this sport means to me and are very supportive of what I do,” she says. Her most recent Ironman was last November, in Arizona, and she’s now training for Ironman 70.3 Washington—on September 20 in Maple Valley. 

“I’ve slowly pushed myself every year to limits I never knew I could reach…My sons see how hard I work. It teaches them how to never give up when things get tough and set your sight on your goals. My older son plans on competing in an Ironman [someday],” says Lehman-Smith.  

“There will always be a million excuses as to why you can’t do something, so focus on the reason that you chose to do it and use that as your motivation,” she advises. “Make every minute count in the day—run/walk during lunch breaks, get up a little earlier. It’s all about time management.”

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Returning racers tell us their favorite parts of Ski to Sea are camaraderie and community. From organizing your team to training, racing, and trading stories at the finish line beer garden, Ski to Sea is all about teamwork. It is also about our incredible community of over 800 volunteers who work together to make this event unforgettable, year after year, since 1973.

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