Fun run organizers waive late fee

ISLAND PARK, ID. — Organizers of Island Park’s fun run, the 13th annual All American Sawtelle Stampede, have decided to waive the event’s $10 late fee as a way to help anyone concerned about money because of the economy.

Registration for this year’s event, which begins at 9 a. m. Saturday, July 4, is going great, and a record number of participants are expected, says Event Director, Connie Funkhouser.

“We want to share our success with anyone who may feel the late fee would be a hardship,” Funkhouser said. “But we do ask that anyone registering between now and race day get us their information as soon as possible. And, it you wait ‘til race day, please be at the starting line at 7:30 a. m. We will not accept any registrations after 8:30 a. m. because we have to start on time.”

Sponsored by the Island Park Area Chamber of Commerce, the Stampede is a “fun run” to those who want to meet their personal fitness goals, and a challenging trail event for hard core runners. The Stampede includes a half marathon (13.2 mi.) run, a 10k (6.2 mi.) run, a 5k (3.1 mi.) run or walk, and a 1k (0.61 mi.) kids event.

Enter as an individual or be part of a team. A team must have five or more members, and can be a family, a group of friends, or a club or organization.

“We’re excited about the number of teams entered this year so far,” Funkhouser said. “Both Fremont County and the city of Island Park have entered teams, and so have the Red Hat Mountain Mommas and several families.”

The Stampede is a fundraiser for a non motorized trail project designed by the Island Park Gem Community Team that will enhance hiking and cycling opportunities for Island Park visitors and residents. The project links existing trails on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and in the area’s state parks.

The Stampede’s course is on scenic National Forest trails. In honor of the July 4 holiday, the event begins after a presentation of the colors by the local Boy Scouts and a performance of the National Anthem by Erin Ginkel and an opening prayer by Pastor Ben Moore. Water stations along the course are decorated with patriotic themes, and water station sponsors compete for the best decorated station. Water stations also play music to motivate the runners and walkers. Stampede participants are encouraged to wear patriotic colors, and to compete for the most patriotic clothing award.

Cash awards in the form of golden U.S. dollars are given to the top male and female finishers of each distance. Medals are given to the top three finishers in the 1/2m, 10k and 5k.  The kid's 1k winners receive gift cards from the Book Peddler provided by the Island Park Library Friends.

All participants who registered by June 26 receive an attractive tee-shirt. Late registrants will receive a shirt if one is available in their size. Participants also receive a reusable bag full of goodies donated by area businesses.

Registration is $30 per adult and $15 for people age 13 and under. The team discount is $5 per person.

To register, send your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, age as of July 4, 2009, and distance you will run or walk, to Sawtelle Stampede, 4149 North Big Springs Road, Island Park, ID. 83429. Or, register on line at SawtelleStampede.com.

Check in from 4:30 to 7 p. m. on Friday at Island Park Lodge on North Big Springs Loop Road east of Hwy. 20, or on race day from 7:30 to 8:30 a. m. at the start area, which is on Sawtelle Peak Road on the west side of Hwy. 20 across from North Big Springs Road. Detailed directions are on line at SawtelleStampede.com

For more information, call 208.558.7281 or 208.558.0267 or e-mail connie@sawtellestampede.com .
 

 

This is part of the June 18, 2009 online edition of The Island Park News.

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