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!
