Snow Joke half marathon goes virtual

SEELEY LAKE -  Runners will be able to run the 42nd annual Snow Joke Half Marathon on their own terms this upcoming February.

Run Wild Missoula helps put on the event. Interim Executive Director Ashley Cossairt said their decision to make the race virtual instead of in-person was so that they could avoid spreading COVID-19.

"Given the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and the number of active cases in the state of Montana, we determined it was better to take a more cautious approach and offer a virtual event," she said in an email. "A virtual event allows people from across Montana (and out of state) to participate, and we know that there isn't potential for it to become a 'super spreader' event."

Those interested can register online at https://RunSignUp.com/SnowJoke beginning Jan. 4. The early-bird cost is $30 per person until Jan. 18. On Jan. 19 the price is raised to $40. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Seeley Lake Elementary Outdoor Education Program.

Participants are still expected to run 13.1 miles beginning Feb. 27, but they have the freedom to run whatever course they want. Runners will then self-report their times online. The absolute latest participants can input their times is 11:59 p.m. March 2. Results will be posted on https://RunSignUp.com/SnowJoke as entries come in.

Inputted results will be based on the honor system. It is not required that runners include an activity link or image of their route/time.

All participants will receive swag and the top three male and female finishers will receive additional swag, all of which is still to be determined. In previous years the race could expect roughly 700 participants to run the course around Seeley Lake.

Cossairt said the most challenging aspect of planning the event to be virtual was distributing information to all potential participants.

"We want to make sure they know how to register, where to upload their results, how to get their race swag (pick up or mail), highlighting our sponsors and any other information big or small," she said. "We want the participants to have the best experience, whether that is for a virtual or an in-person event and race communication is a big component to that."

The organizers decided to follow through with the event despite the challenges because they wanted to keep their normal participants involved in the activity.

"We believe it's important to provide opportunities for people to remain active and motivated, especially in the winter months when the long dark nights can take their toll," Cossairt said. "Additionally, the half marathon distance (13.1 miles) is less common in the winter here, so it's another opportunity to train and work towards a longer distance."

The half marathon will return to being an in-person collective event in 2022. Cossairt said there is potential for virtual aspects to continue however.

"We have learned there are many people who appreciate virtual events and want to see them stick around even after the return of in-person racing," she said. "I can't say for sure at this point, but there might be an opportunity to keep the virtual component and have Snow Joke be a hybrid event moving forward."