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This Run’s for You
Races are exciting and scenic in Magic Valley

Rim to Rim Race

The Rim to Rim Race, held each September in Twin Falls, is a challenging 7.5-mile race which begins at the base of a steep grade. The event is limited to 300 runners and raises money for Habitat For Humanity.

There are plenty of busy bodies in Southern Idaho whenever a dis­tance running event takes place.

Perhaps the most famous distance race in these parts is the Spudman Triathlon, which has occurred in Burley on the last Saturday in July for the past 21 years. It features a one-mile swim, 25-mile bike ride and 6.2-mile run.

“Only 1,600 triathletes can participate, and there is always a waiting list of another 600-700 people wanting to compete,” says Matthew Flygare, executive director of the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce and a triathlon competitor. “The entry process actually opens Jan. 1 at 12:01 a.m., and all 1,600 spots are always filled that same day. That’s how popular this race has become.”

Flygare says the event is not only fun but it also offers scenic beauty along the way.

“There is the grandeur of the Snake River, the Sawtooth Mountains and picturesque farm land,” he says. “The Burley Lions Club organizes everything, and many participants tell me it is their favorite triathlon of any they compete in nation­wide throughout the year.”

Another popular running event is the Rim to Rim Race that benefits the Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley. The race is in mid-September and has been occurring for more than 20 years.

“The 7.5-mile race started as a fundraiser for the cross country team at the College of Southern Idaho, but the Magic Valley Habitat took over sponsorship in 2006,” says Linda Fleming, chairperson of the Rim to Rim Race and executive director of the Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley. “We made some good tweaks in 2007 such as adding professional timing, which the runners really seem to like.”

Speaking of runners, there are only 300 of them in the Rim to Rim Race.

“It begins at Blue Lakes Country Club, which is situated at the bottom of a deep grade and only has parking for about 100 cars,” Fleming says. “That’s why 300 runners is the ideal number for our event.”

One other popular Magic Valley running attraction is the Sagebrush Days Fun Run in Buhl. It takes place July 4 and features a 5K and 10K run, and a 5K walk.

“The run started 28 years ago with just a handful of athletic guys who wanted to race on July 4, and now we have 220 runners each year,” says Steve Kaatz, director of the Sagebrush Days Fun Run.

The event is mostly organized by the Buhl High School Key Club, a service-oriented group of students who must have a grade point average of 3.0 or better to be in the club.

“I approached the Key Club 10 years ago to see if they wanted to do this as a community service project, and they do a fabulous job getting sponsors, sending invitations and so forth,” Kaatz says. “These students embraced the project and really ran with it – pun intended.”

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