Celebrate National Trails Day with Bay Trail Fun Run
—Photo courtesy CHRIS BESSLER Runners take off from the starting line at the annual Bay Trail Fun Run in 2015. This year’s run will take place Sunday, June. 12.
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 5K and 10K 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 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.
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.
Online registration for the Bay Trail Fun Run is available at www.pobtrail.org until June 11. 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 a.m. Dogs are welcome on the trail at all other times.
Information: www.pobtrail.org, 208-265-9565 or friends@pobtrail.org