KELLOGG — For the seventh consecutive year, the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes will be filled with runners Saturday as they compete in the Jackass Half Marathon. 

The award-winning race has grown significantly since its inception and will feature more than 700 runners this year, including 450 competitors in the 13.1-mile half marathon from Wallace to Kellogg. 

The remainder of the field will compete in the 5K race. 

"It's our biggest race yet," said Sarah Murphy, one of the race's organizers. 

The race began in 2020 as people looked for outdoor activities during the pandemic. Since then, it has surged in popularity and become one of the Silver Valley's largest annual events. 

Funds raised through the race are vital to the Silver Valley Chamber. The proceeds help fund events throughout the year, renew three annual scholarships and support a future community project. 

As in previous years, runners will travel to the Silver Valley from across the country and beyond. The East Coast will be well represented this year, with participants from New York, Florida, Maryland and Virginia, along with many other states. 

The Jackass was named "Best Half Marathon in Idaho" by race review website RaceRaves in 2024. According to Murphy, roughly 70% of competitors have come from outside the Silver Valley since the event's inception. 

The race begins beneath Interstate 90 in Wallace and follows the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes along the South Fork Coeur d'Alene River. Runners then take a brief detour up Big Creek before finishing in uptown Kellogg outside Radio Brewing. 

"The start lines and finish lines are so much fun," Murphy said. "But it's the people you see on the way that make it memorable." 

Murphy and the race's organizers are still seeking volunteers. Volunteers receive a race T-shirt and a free lunch. 

Participants are encouraged to embrace the race's fun atmosphere, whether by dressing in costume, hosting water stations, playing music or finding other ways to motivate runners along the course. 

"Oh man, the thing that makes it so special is the community involvement," Murphy said. "The different costumes, volunteers, and everything make it fun. It's a fun, lighthearted race. It's mostly downhill and the entire environment is designed for people to have a good time." 

The Jackass Half Marathon is Saturday. Races begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue through 12:30 p.m. 

Those interested in volunteering can contact [email protected].