Two Bear races have new name, new director

The fifth annual Two Bear Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on Sunday Sept. 13, with start times at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. respectively.

Both races will finish at The Wave for a post-race celebration. Spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer on the runners, especially as they approach the finish along Baker Avenue.

Hammer Nutrition is the new title sponsor, Hammer Nutrition, which will provide financial and public relations support. The race is now called the Hammer Nutrition Two Bear Marathon and Half Marathon.

The race also has a new race director. Co-founder and past race director Gayle Marie has passed on the baton to Meg Murphy, events coordinator for The Wave.

"There would not be a Two Bear if not for the dedication, care and commitment to excellence of our past director," Murphy said. "We are grateful for Gayle Marie's passion and wish her well in her endeavors in the West."

Despite higher travel costs and the current recession, the marathon continues to generate wide interest. By early July, 80 runners from surrounding states, Midwest, Canada and as far as Germany had signed up.

The second annual half marathon also proves to be popular with local runners — of the 36 runners entered, more than half are from Montana.

Race applications are available online at www.twobearmarathon.org or The Wave. Anyone who wishes to volunteer is asked to contact Murphy by e-mail at meg@whitefishwave.com.

Proceeds will go to The Wave's scholarship fund, which provides low memberships to those in need. Runners' entry fees are 100 percent tax-deductible.