Every once in a while, I stumble upon a race I want to do someday. I’ve decided I’m going to start a series of “bucket list” races so that I don’t forget about them LOL. This is not a sponsored post, just me talking about what I love: traveling, racing, and beer. And this race has them all.
Here’s my first one…
Spokane to Sandpoint Relay
We all know I love a good relay and this one looks like it would be awesome. Like many relays, it’s about 200 miles, broken up into 36 legs. It’s on the smaller side with fewer than 100 teams, but every leg is timed and volunteers are plentiful. Speaking of volunteers, S2S offers a “hire a volunteer” program where you can hire volunteers (each team must provide 2 volunteers) from local charities. The race gets its volunteers and money is poured into local charities. Win/Win! This year’s date is August 14-15, which lands it before most schools go get back in session.
All photos courtesy of Spokane to Sandpoint Relay.
1. Location – I love to travel and I very seldom go back to the same place. I also like to visit places that are slightly off the beaten path. This race starts in Spokane, Washington (on TOP of Mt. Spokane) and ends in Sandpoint, Idaho (right on a lake). I’ve never been in this part of the US and I’d love to see it.
2. Contests – Many relays have contests for best costumes and best decorated van, but Spokane to Sandpoint take it to a new level with contests during specific legs: Mt. Spokane Crazy Wig (leg 1), Brightest Running Outfit (leg 6), Road Noise Time Trial (leg 7), No-Li Awesome Costume Contest (leg 10), Picky Bars Tattoo and Mustache Contest (leg 12), Knuckle Lights Ultimate Raver Contest (leg 19), and Best Inactive Van Adventure.
3. Scenery – You start on a mountain, you run over some amazing bridges, you run on the Spokane River Centennial Trail, the North Idaho Centennial Trail system, and the Prairie Trail system and finish on the shore line of a lake. Yeah, I’m sure there are some less lovely parts (all races have them), but this sounds like a lovely course.
4. Beer! – You knew this was coming, right? Spokane to Sandpoint has 3 breweries as sponsors: No Li Brewhouse, Laughing Dog Brewery, and Ghost Runners Brewery. It appears that one of the exchanges is even at No Li. You know that’s the exchange where I want to be finishing.
5. Discount – Spokane to Sandpoint offered up a $100 discount for me to use. Sadly, there’s not way I can be out there this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t! Use code S2SRelay when you enter your team. I can only hope that they’ll offer a discount when I can actually run!
Recaps I found:
Do you have a bucket list of races? I’m feeling the need to work on mine as I can only manage a small number each year that involve travel.
[Tweet “Do you have a bucket list of races? Here’s one to add: #spokanetosandpont from @cascaderelays”]
I am, of course, linking up with the Friday Five: Cynthia, Mar, and Courtney.
If only we could have unlimited travel budgets for races! This one looks beautiful!
What a beautiful course! I keep a bucket list of races on my computer desktop, and have blogged about my bucket list a couple of times as well. If only time and money were unlimited!
Wow that does look beautiful! Great race for your bucket list. Happy Friday.
Oh that scenery! Sounds like a great race! I’m guilty of returning to my favorite places to race/vacation!
My bucket list has dwindled, but all of them are in beautiful places across the country.
I have some friends that have run that relay and loved it! Last year I did the Cascade Lakes Relay which is run by the same group. It’s also an amazing relay if you want to add 2 races to your list! My bucket list keeps getting longer and long….I just came across the Banff Half Marathon, added that for next year!
Fun! I’ve never heard of this relay before. I keep a bucket list of races on my Google Notes and also wrote ones for DC, MD and VA. Should prob do a follow up post on my general race bucket list 🙂
I have done S2S three times and love it! And if you get this close, I am totally coming up to see you!!!!
that sounds so fun. i really need to do a ragnar…
I’m not aware of this one – looks neat!
It really IS a beautiful part of the world. I hope you get to go someday. Sandoint is a wonderful beach town.
I can see why this race would be on your bucket list. Looks like a great, fun racce in a lovely location.