The Bigfork High School cross-country team is sponsoring a run/walk fundraiser on Aug. 11 along the Swan River Trail to keep the program going.

Due to the 2010-11 budget shortfall at BHS the board was forced to cut various programs and activities, one of which was the cross-country program. However, parents, coaches and athletes recognized cross-country as an essential part of Bigfork’s athletic program and put together the Bigfork River Run/Walk 5k to fund the program.

There is a $17 registration fee for participants over the age of 13 and $12 for children under 12. Deadline is July 31. Same-day registration is $25 and does not guarantee a t-shirt.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 11 and the run starts at 8:30 a.m. at Bigfork High School.

A handcrafted Morley Canoe Paddle will be presented to the overall male winner and the overall female winner of the race. Ribbons will also be awarded to the winners of each age group. Raffle prizes will also be drawn, but participants must be present to win.

The run is currently seeking local sponsors. A $100 sponsorship will get the name of the business on the back of the t-shirts as well as on the event advertisements.

Sponsorship checks can be sent to Bigfork Cross County, PO Box 364, Bigfork, MT, 59911.

For more information call Jill at 212-6760.

All proceeds from the race will benefit the high school and middle school cross-country programs.