Whitefish Trail races scheduled

Whitefish Legacy Partners is hosting a weekend of trail running events next month.

The new 50k Mountain Ultramarathon will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5. This 50-kilometer course starts in Depot Park at 7 a.m., climbs the new section of Whitefish Trail in Haskill Basin, and connects all the way to the summit of Big Mountain on Whitefish Mountain Resort and Flathead National Forest trails. Runners will return to Depot Park via the Flower Point Loop, Danny On Trail, and the Whitefish Trail in Haskill.

Registration for the ultramarathon is capped at 200 runners.

The Whitefish Trail’s Legacy Run event on Sunday, Oct. 6 includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K and family fun run at the Whitefish Lake Bike Retreat. Runners will explore scenic lakes, vibrant larch forests, and world-class single track in Beaver Lakes. Race events begin at 10 a.m.

This year WLP is partnering with the Great Northwest Oktoberfest and the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce to host the 50K awards ceremony and the half marathon, 10K, and 5K pre-race celebration on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Smith Fields. Registered runners will receive free entry to Oktoberfest.

“Experiences on the Whitefish Trail foster a deep appreciation for our local open lands and teach important lessons about the value of conservation, wildlife habitat, water quality, and working forestry,” said Alan Myers-Davis, WLP Director of Development. “We are excited for another great event in support of conservation, education, and recreation in our community where runners from across Montana, neighboring states, and from Canada will explore golden larch forests, pristine lakes, and scenic vistas.”

Title sponsors are Whitefish Credit Union and Whitefish Therapy and Sport Center. Events are also made possible by sponsors Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Clinic, the Whitefish Bike Retreat, and Hammer Nutrition, which is providing endurance fuels for all aid-stations.

Runners can register at www.whitefishlegacy.org