The second annual Hit the Trail Challenge returns this May to help raise money for the Whitefish Trail.

Health and wellness sponsors BlueCross BlueShield of Montana, North Valley Hospital, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, and Tailwinds Charitable Foundation have pledged $20,000 in matching funds, and Whitefish Legacy Partners is asking for the community’s help to get every dollar. For every mile logged on the Whitefish Trail during the month of May, $1 will be donated in support of the Whitefish Trail and local lands.

Participate as an individual for free or participate as a workplace team for a fee. School groups, community groups and nonprofits can participate as workplace teams at no cost. Miles can be logged with an online form, by joining the Hit the Trail Challenge Strava Club, or by paper log sheet.

Sign up and log your miles this May at www.whitefishlegacy.org/hitthetrail

Please follow public health and safety guidelines for social distancing while on the Whitefish Trail. Wash your hands before and after visiting the trail, keep 6 feet between you and other trail users, don’t congregate at trailheads, and don’t visit the trail if you are exhibiting symptoms of illness.

Last year almost 1,500 individuals, 17 workplace teams, and 614 fifth-graders participated in the inaugural Hit the Trail Challenge. By month’s end, the community surpassed the initial 10,000-mile goal and logged a total of 20,062 miles, raising $20,062 for the project. Participants spent an estimated 4,041 hours outside and unplugged on the Whitefish Trail during last year’s challenge.