The venerable race that has grown into one of Missoula's largest, best-known participatory events during its 35-year history is getting a modern facelift this spring.
For the first time the race will be “chip timed,” on Saturday morning, as runners lace tiny microchips into their shoes that will monitor their individual times. It's the latest wrinkle in tracking race statistics and organizers hope it will help keep the run's popularity in stride with many other major races that utilize the same technology.
A special sensory mat will record the data as runners cross the finish line and theoretically, will dramatically speed up the process of tabulating the results.
Still, organizers are being cautious. Nobody wants to fumble the results of a race expected to draw over 3,000 entrants, so officials will also be using traditional “pull tag,” spindle timing to safeguard against a crash.
“We want to have a pretty solid back up system before we get too far from shore to go back ...,” Shearer said. “But (chip timing) will be more fun for participants because they can immediately look online and see their time and how they placed. In the distant future they may even be able to see where dad is on the course. We've got a ways to go, but this is the new era and it's the way we're moving.”
Another recent addition that continues to see increasing numbers is the trifecta competition. That grueling series, which debuted in 2002, allows athletes to run all three of the traditional Riverbank races - the 5K, 10K and one-mile fun run - back to back to back.
Results are calculated by tabulating the times from all three races and special awards for the trifecta will be provided.
Organizers believe the three-pronged run may be unique to the Riverbank and that it helps bring some local flair to the race.
“This is the only trifecta that we're aware of,” Shearer said. “It's definitely a different kind of endurance test, especially since you're stopping and letting your muscles get cold in between races. It's a tough physical challenge for the athletes.”
Also on the docket are the corporate challenge - which taxes teams of three co-workers with each running a leg of the trifecta - and a similar challenge for local schools.
Weather forecasts say Saturday morning should provide a break in the wintery conditions that have plagued the spring sports calendar so far this year. If things pan out according to reports, the Riverbank Run should be contested under mostly sunny skies with temperatures between 50-60 degrees.
“It's going to be perfect running weather,” said Shearer, who is in first year as race director after longtime organizer and YMCA employee Beth Moody retired last year. “We're lucking out big time.”
Race day registration is scheduled to run between 7-8 a.m. near the start at the corner of Higgins and Broadway. The call to the starting line will be at 8:45, with the 10K race beginning at 9 a.m., the 5K at 10:30 and the mile at 11:35.
Money raised by the event through entry fees goes to support the Missoula Family YMCA.
Organizers ask the runners to car pool if possible and that competitors plan to arrive early.
YMCA Riverbank Run
Saturday's schedule
7-8 a.m. - Race day registration at the start (Higgins and Broadway)
8:45 a.m. - Call to the starting line
9 a.m. - 10K start
10:30 a.m. - 5K start
11:25 a.m. - Trifecta and Corporate Challenge start
11:35 a.m. - Mile fun run start
|
 |
 |
Add your comment now! Write your comment in the form below.
(Email address is for verification only. If you'd like to email a story, look for the link above)