Runners soak up the sun at annual Snow Joke Half Marathon

Runners from all over Montana, and even several from out-of-state, joined together on Saturday, Feb. 25 for the 44th annual Snow Joke Half Marathon. 

The Snow Joke is hosted in late February every year and is one of Montana's oldest footraces. The first official Snow Joke was hosted on February 23, 1980, with a total of 33 races. The race grew popular over the years, with 328 runners participating in this year's race. 

Temperatures reached the mid 30's on Saturday with blue, sunny skies projected over the runners. While most participants came from various towns and cities across Montana, racers traveled from several other states including Wyoming, Colorado, Washington, Alaska, New Mexico and Florida. This year's overall winner was 27- year -old Adam Peterman of Missoula, MT and the overall female winner was 18- year- old Renae Parker of Clancy MT. Peterman finished with a total time of 1:08:01.2 and Parker finished with a total time of 1:30:50.7. 

Local volunteers helped set up the race, register racers, and work at three different aid stations throughout the 13.1 mile course. The half marathon started at 11 a.m. at the Seeley Lake Elementary school, and looped around the lake. Snow Joke organizers may have changed through the years, but have never had any plans to put an end to the annual race. Next year the race will celebrate its 45th anniversary. 

 

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