Organizers cancel Whitefish Trail Legacy Run
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 1 month AGO
Steve Qunell and David Slette run along the Whitefish Trail near the start of the half marathon during the Whitefish Trail Legacy Run. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot file)
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | September 9, 2020 1:00 AM
Whitefish Legacy Partners has decided to cancel the Whitefish Trail Legacy Run as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was a tough decision to make, race organizers said, noting that WLP looks forward to celebrating the Whitefish Trail with the community and relies on the event as a staple source of income.
The Legacy Run had been scheduled for Oct. 3 for a 50K run up Big Mountain and for Oct. 4 with a half marathon, 5K, 10K and fun run on the Whitefish Trail.
“This year is just not the right year to host community events with hundreds of participants,” said Alan Myers-Davis, WLP Director of Development. “We miss seeing so many of our donors, volunteers, and partners, and hopefully next year, things will get back to normal.”
WLP is offering, along with sponsor Whitefish Credit Union, a do-it-yourself Legacy Run for the entire community for free.
WLP plans to announce five different segments on the Whitefish Trail for runners to complete independently between Oct. 1-18. The DIY run through Strava, an exercise tracker, will include prizes, raffles, and even fun independent scavenger hunts each week.
“The DIY Legacy Run will be a great option for those still looking for a competitive experience on the Whitefish Trail this October,” Myers-Davis said. “We would like to thank everyone from race registrants to event sponsor for understanding.”
Participants can sign up for free at www.whitefishlegacy.org.
For those still wanting to support Whitefish Legacy Partners and the Whitefish Trail this fall, donations can be made through the Great Fish Community Challenge through Sept. 18 or patrons can become a Whitefish Trail Friend or Family by the end of 2020. Participating non-profits in the Great Fish Community Challenge receive a percentage match on gifts received during the Challenge.
Donations can be made at www.whitefishcommunityfoundation.org.
The Whitefish Trail is currently 43 miles accessed by 14 trailheads.
For more information, visit www.whitefishlegacy.org or call 406-862-3880 or email [email protected].
ARTICLES BY HEIDI DESCH
Whitefish wildfire protection plan up for City Council review
Fourteen areas of concern that are primed for mitigating wildlife risk are at the center of a draft Whitefish Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Kalispell resident advocates for more women in the trades after being crowned Mrs. America
Standing on the stage in Las Vegas, wearing a white formal gown accented with feathers on one shoulder, Qadra Evans gripped hands with a fellow competitor.
Whitefish mulls updates to community growth plan
Whitefish City Council on Monday will consider updates to its community plan including language that looks to protect the historic character of its downtown amid state requirements allowing buildings up to 60 feet in height in certain zoning districts.