COEUR d’ALENE — The 41st annual Spring Dash is going the way of different distances Saturday.

Gone is the traditional 5-mile race, replaced by a 5k, 10k and half marathon.

Organizers with the United Way of North Idaho believe the change will boost participation and give runners and walkers a greater selection.

“Same great cause, same gorgeous start spot, still a Bloomsday qualifier, just more options for our Dashers,” according to the UWNI website.

The Spring Dash began in 1982 and has since been considered the kickoff to the local running season. At its height of popularity, when it started and ended at North Idaho College, the Dash attracted about 2,500 people.

Numbers dwindled and the race was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due COVID-19, but it returned last year with a field of about 400.

This year, all races start and end at McEuen Park, with the half marathon at 8 a.m. the Tot Trot at 8:15 a.m., the 10k at 8:45 a.m. and the 5k at 9 a.m., followed by awards.

The event is a fundraiser for UWNI, with funds going to help those in need.

Packet pickup for those preregistered is 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Sportsman and Ski Haus, 213 W. Ironwood Drive.

Race-day pickup is from 7-8:45 a.m. at McEuen Park.

Registration will also be available at Sportsman and Ski Haus and at McEuen Park on race day.

Info: www.uwnorthidaho.org