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Back of the Pack


Are you a slower runner or walker? Do you sometimes feel intimidated by group events because you fear being alone or getting lost on the route? 

Passion for the sport of running is not confined to competitive runners who often aspire to win their events. Many of us carry the same passion, though at a slower pace.  We enjoy the feeling of accomplishment, health benefits, emotional and mental well-being, and the opportunity to share the experience with like-minded buddies.

Run Wild Missoula welcomes runners and walkers at any pace. We make that welcome even more inviting with activities aimed at the Back of the Pack (BOP) Our program is always evolving, reflecting the interests of members.

The following are currently underway in 2020:

  • The BOP Email List is used to circulate the monthly BOP Bulletin. The Bulletin highlights coming events and ongoing opportunities for the BOP to get involved with the running/walking community. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please send a request to backofpack@runwildmissoula.org
  • Our Facebook Group, “Run Walk Run Wild Missoula” is a forum for members to line up buddies for events, encourage one another, recruit volunteers for BOP roles, ask for advice, and get to know one another.
  • Scheduled BOP Buddy Runs are on hiatus under COVID-19 guidelines. We will notify the BOP mailing list when they return to the schedule.
  • Monthly BOP Run-Walk Socials are held at locations around Missoula, and occasionally in surrounding communities - from Frenchtown to Stevensville.  Socials are based at parks, restaurants/breweries, or members’ homes. Most socials are potlucks and easy run/walk routes of 2-4 miles are identified for each event. BOP socials are on hold under social distancing rules; stay tuned as COVID-19 conditions improve.
  • RWM Race Directors work hard to make each event as welcoming to slower runners and walkers as possible.  They recruit volunteer sweepers and work to provide quality snacks until the last person crosses the finish line.  Some Race Directors have created awards and door prizes, in addition to those usually presented to overall and age-group winners, with special attention to the Back of the Pack.
  • Cheerleaders add a joyful noise to the sometimes discouraging silence at the end of the race.  BOP Cheerleaders show up at the finish line for the last two hours of RWM's biggest event, the  Missoula Marathon.  To sign up as a cheerleader, check out the Volunteer link on the Missoula Marathon website (late spring).
  • RWM offers a variety of training programs, some of which target the Back of the Pack. Look for announcements in the BOP Bulletin and the Run Walk Run Wild Facebook group.

Do you have more questions or need more information? E-mail the Back of the Pack Leader, Pam Gardiner.

 

 



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