Grab your sneakers and hit the POB Trail

SANDPOINT — It’s time to lace up those running shoes and hit the trail — the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail — for the 4th annual Bay Trail Fun Run.

Located along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and Sand Creek in Sandpoint, The Bay Trail Fun Run is both a competitive run and a family friendly run/walk. Participants have their choice of either a 5 K or 10 K course and all races begin promptly at 9 a.m., Sunday, June 12 in front of Trinity at City Beach Restaurant.

Hosted by the Friends of the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, the Idaho Conservation League and Trinity at City Beach Restaurant, proceed from the race will support efforts to protect, steward and extend the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail – a public, non-motorized trail, connecting the communities of Sandpoint and Ponderay.

Nearly 1.5 miles of waterfront trail is currently open to the public to enjoy. This trail will serve as part of the 5 and 10 K course for the Bay Trail Fun Run.

Work continues on the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail project. A Master Trail Plan was recently completed that will help determine improvements and expansions for the trail that could include a railroad underpass into Ponderay, an extension of the trail eastward into Kootenai, improved parking at the current trailhead, steps to the water for easier access and the installation of interpretive signage along the trail.

The public can support these trail efforts and celebrate National Trails Day by signing up to participate in the Bay Trail Fun Run. The race provides participants with stunning views of the Lake Pend Oreille, Sand Creek and the surrounding Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains and follows an almost entirely flat shoreline trail that varies from paved, to dirt and back again.

The event is sponsored by a host of local businesses and individuals including the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Evergreen Realty, the Equinox Foundation, Sandpoint West Athletic Club and KPND Radio to name a few.

This year’s race again features professional chip timing, a professionally measured course, awards for top finishers in each and every age group, as well as great prizes for overall winners. All participants will receive this year’s race t-shirt and water bottle and other giveaways and will have the satisfaction of helping to protect a beautiful greenway along Lake Pend Oreille.

Other race festivities include the chance to bid on and win amazing auction and raffle items including, a season pass to the Festival at Sandpoint, outdoor adventures, a catered boat trip, race and restore packages, summer fun packages and more.

With a festive community vibe, complimentary massages, a specially priced “racers lunch” at Trinity at City Beach Restaurant and sponsor booths, the event will provide entertainment for both racers and spectators alike.

There will also be a Packet Pick-up Party on the eve of the event at the Idaho Pour Authority. From 4:30-7:30 pm, Saturday, June 11, participants can pick up their t-shirt, race bib and freebies at the Idaho Pour Authority – 203 Cedar Street in Sandpoint and enjoy a pre-race beverage while perusing and bidding on the silent auction items. Last minute registration will be available at both the Idaho Pour Authority and at the starting line at the day of the race. To ensure your correct T-shirt size, participants are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.

Online registration for the Bay Trail Fun Run is available at www.pobtrail.org until June 11. Mail-in registration forms can found at various locations around North Idaho and must be received by June 6. Registration is $25 until June 11 or $30 on race day. Kids 12 and under are free but must register.

Strollers are welcome to participate in the race but no dogs are allowed on the course from 8 – 11 am. Dogs are welcome on the trail at all other times.

For more information about the Bay Trail Fun Run, to request a mail-in registration form, or to donate to the Friends of the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail or the Idaho Conservation League, please go to www.pobtrail.org, call (208) 265-9565 or email friends@pobtrail.org.