The Glasgow Courier - Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913

All shortness of breath on June 20 at Kiwanis Park was not cause for concern. The 26th Annual Longest Dam Race continued on as planned on June 20 with 263 total registrants for the event, including 20 who signed up for the virtual portion of the races.

The day started off on the chilly side before the sun came out from behind the clouds and a slight breeze off the dam kept athletes from overheating. Considerations were taken to protect the health and wellbeing of participants from the novel coronavirus, who were in from across the country for the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture competition. Masks were provided to runners by Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital for their ride to the starting line. Heats were limited in keeping with state and local guidelines. And this year, athletes and fans were encouraged to depart the area before the awards presentation unless they were being awarded medals.

Forty-three competitors kicked off the day's events with the 10K run at 8 a.m. They were followed by the 5k walkers at 9 a.m. Two heats of 5K runners followed at 9:30 and bicyclists took to the road at 10 a.m. for their 10 mile ride. The 1 mile run/walk concluded the morning's competitions, starting at 10:30 a.m. on the nature trail. In keeping with this year's tumult due to COVID-19, the event also allowed athletes to sign up for a virtual competition. Taking advantage of the addition were 19 1 Mile Runners/Walkers and one 5K runner.

Chamber President Josh Sillerud said that he was a bit surprised over the size of the 5K walk portion of the day, noting that in year's past the event was the biggest draw of they day but conceded that with health concerns this year a smaller crowd was to be expected. Despite a slightly lower turnout for that, Sillerud was happy with this year. "What a perfect beautiful day."

Full results are on the Longest Dam Race website at https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/FortPeck/LongestDamRace.