Run, canoe, bike, kayak and run again

Sixth annual Glacier Challenge relay race is July 12, benefits youth home

Flathead Youth Home recently announced it will receive a $50,000 grant from the Gallagher Western Montana Charitable Foundation.

The foundation, known throughout Montana and the Northwest for its long history of support and assistance to children in distress, recently invested in the legacy of a permanent shelter for the Flathead Valley.

Over the next two years, the Gallagher Foundation will disperse $50,000 to Flathead Youth Home for their Building for Belonging capital campaign. Ground-breaking for the new shelter could begin in late summer, with an estimated move-in date of June 2009.

Flathead Youth Home will also benefit from the Glacier Challenge multi-sport relay event, which will celebrate its sixth year with racers gathering at Riverside Park in Whitefish on July 12 at 7:30 a.m.

The race includes a 10K run, an 8-mile canoe, an 11- or 15-mile road bike ride, an 8-mile mountain bike ride, a 2.5-mile kayak and a 5K run. Individuals or teams can enter. Individuals will use kayaks instead of canoes.

The race has become a much-anticipated community event and raises money to support the Flathead Youth Home's work with area at-risk youth.

All donations and gifts are tax deductible and go directly to caring for kids.

Teams or individuals are encouraged to register early.

For more information on the Glacier Challenge, visit online at www.youthhomes.com/glacier_challenge.