2016 Press Release!

Here's the copy of our recent press release!

We are really looking forward to race day. Hope you can join us! Click the SIGN UP tab along the top of this page to register!

Bangs Family to Hold 2^nd Annual 5K on the Farm

Great Falls, MT- Fitness, food and farming will be center stage at the Bangs Family Farm near Inverness September 17 for the 5K on the Farm fun run event. The farm is located near Inverness and owned and operated by Tom and Carol Bangs. Event organizers Jeff and Katie Bangs, son and daughter-in-law of Tom and Carol, are active members of Montana Farmers Union. Jeff and Katie were the 2014 Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership Couple. In addition, Katie has served on the Montana Farmers Union Women’s Committee and also served on the National Farmers Union Next Generation Advisory Council. Jeff and Katie have also represented MFU as delegates at the National Farmers Union Convention.

“My husband and I decided to do the race with several goals in mind,” said event organizer Katie Bangs. “ First, we wanted to show that fitness and farming are lifestyle choices that can go together. We also wanted to build community in our rural neighborhood. Lastly, we wanted to give back to an organization that has meant a lot to us, and to many rural Montanans, in Montana Farmers Union.” 

Katie said in the race’s first year they had 120 runners and volunteers, and were blown away by the turnout. The Bangsplan to donate the majority of race proceeds to Montana Farmers Union women’s educational programming and leadership training. If the race continues to grow and surpass expectations the Bangs will also consider donating some proceeds to local charities.

5K on the Farm Event Details:

Ø  Race day is Saturday, September 17

Ø  Bangs Family Farm, Inverness, MT

Ø  Packet pick up 9:00 a.m.

Ø  10K at 10:00 a.m. and 5K and 1 Mile events at 10:30 a.m.

Ø  Registration Cost: 10K - $30; 5K 20; option for a virtual run/$20 – lunch provided

Ø  Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/Inverness/5KOnTheFarm

What is the WHY?!

Why did we decide to hold a race in rural North-Central Montana? Read on!

5K On The Farm started as an idea to bring people together and do something active out on the farm. Running and racing has been something I've done for many years, but is only just now getting big on the Hi-Line. My husband and I decided to do the race with several goals in mind. First, we wanted to show that fitness and farming are lifestyle choices that can go together. We also wanted to build community in our rural neighborhood.  Lastly, we wanted to give back to an organization that has meant a lot to us, and to many rural Montanans, in Montana Farmers Union. 

In the first year of holding 5K On The Farm, we didn't know what to expect for turnout. When we ended up with around 150 runners and volunteers, we were blown away. To me, it demonstrated that there is a real hunger for events like this. By combining fitness, food, and fun and setting it in a unique location, we held a successful race that helped build community with friends and neighbors from near and far. We had a mix of people from within Hill County as well as some who traveled from as far away as Bozeman, Missoula, and even Eureka! 

Last year, we donated our proceeds back to Montana Farmers Union, with funds earmarked specifically for Women's Educational Programming and Leadership Training. Rural women are already great leaders and strong voices in our communities. Leadership training and educational programs, like those offered by Montana Farmers Union, can go a long way toward providing support and inspiration for women, and can help turn dreams into reality. 5K On The Farm was an idea that was shared aloud at a Montana Farmers Union Women's Conference, and became a reality.  We plan to donate the majority of our race proceeds back to Montana Farmers Union again this year, and if our race continues to grow and surpass expectations, we'd like to look into making donations to local organizations as well. 

We would love to see you on our farm on race day! Our race begins and ends on our farm, located north of Inverness. Packet pick-up is race day only and begins at 9:00 a.m. on race day, September 17. The 10K race will start at 10:00 a.m. and all other distances will begin at 10:30. The routes for each distance- 1-mile, 5K, and 10K, showcase our cropland and pasture and give a taste of what farming in Northwestern Hill County is like. There are nice views of the Sweetgrass Hills, an old Community Hall, and some homestead shacks that are still standing. We are proud to hold the race on our farm. All participants receive a t-shirt and goody bag, and in true Montana hospitality, we will have lunch after the race. The event has become a great source of pride for our family, and we hope to continue to build on the momentum we held in our first year. 

Ready to sign up for the race? Click the Sign-Up tab on this blog to be directed to our RunSignUp page!

Save the Date for 5K On The Farm 2016!

Time to spread the news!

SAVE THE DATE--

5K ON THE FARM WILL BE HELD

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016!

We will once again hold the race on our family farm north of Inverness, MT, and we will also be doing a Virtual Run option for those who live far away or can't make it on race day. We will be serving lunch after the race, and proceeds will again benefit Montana Farmers Union. This year, if there are extra proceeds we may look into donating to local organizations, such as North Star and CJI Schools.

CHANGES for this year include:

* Separation of the 5K event into "Competitive" (timed) and "Non-Competitive" (untimed) divisions. Many people came last year simply to walk or jog at their own pace and simply to enjoy the day and the company. This year, we'll be offering a separate division for people who wish to participate in the "Non-Competitive" 5K division. In this division, you won't wear a race bib, but everything else is the same.

* Addition of a 10K (6.2 miles) race route. We would like to continue to expand our event every year, and so are planning to offer a 10K race route this year in hopes to appeal to even more people. The registration fee for 10K will be slightly higher, but will also include all the goodies and lunch.

* Addition of Family/Group registration bundle pricing. We will offer a slight reduction in price for groups who are registering together as a family of four or more related individuals. Group pricing will also be available for clubs or sports teams.

* More Prizes and Awards. We plan to offer more awards for place finishers and/or age groups for the different events this year. We also plan to offer door prizes.

Please mark Saturday, September 17 in your calendar as the day to join us on the farm for some fitness and delicious food! We strive to make this year's event even better than our inaugural run from last year. See you in September, and watch for more announcements pertaining to race registration coming out soon!