Jackasses needed

KELLOGG –– One of the Silver Valley’s biggest and newest events is filling up quickly and still needs volunteers.

The fourth annual Jackass Half-Marathon and 5K is less than a month away and the organizers are working diligently to put the final touches on what should be another great event.

Hosted by the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce, the fall event is unique for it’s timing and the location of the race.

Runners begin beneath Interstate 90 in Wallace and then run the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s all the way to Radio Brewing in uptown Kellogg, with a quick jaunt up Big Creek in order to achieve the perfect 13.1-mile half marathon distance.

The event takes roughly 80 volunteers to pull off, and organizers Kelton Enich and Scott Albrethsen are looking for a few people to round out their team.

“The spots we need help with are primarily spots along the trail near Silverton and Osburn,” Enich said. These volunteers will be placed at the various road crossings to help with potential traffic that may have to wait for runners to cross by on the path. They should come prepared to hoot and holler and cheer on the participants as they run by.”

Volunteers will receive a free Jackass shirt, free lunch, and be entered in to win a bunch of local gift cards. They will also be invited to the exclusive Silver Valley Chamber Volunteer Party that will take place in February or March of next year.

As for the race itself, in order to make sure that the event goes safely and smoothly, registration is capped at 450 people for the half-marathon and 150 people for the 5K. While the shorter 5K is already sold out, there are still a few spots open for the half-marathon.

“There may be a few more spots released closer to race day, so people should watch our social media if they are interested in grabbing a last-minute spot,” Enich said.

The past three races have been wildly popular – whether it be just the opportunity to get a fall run in on the scenic trail or those who love the afterparty that takes place at Radio – there is never a shortage of smiling faces on race day.

One of the main goals the organizers have strived for since the inception of the event was that everyone involved should be having fun – that means costumes and decorations for the volunteers and runners, encouraging chalk messages written on the trail, and everything in between.

“This event has continued to be incredibly successful over the last four years,” Enich said. “Runners are coming in from all over the country because of the fun and goofy atmosphere of this race. In addition to being a fast and relatively easy course, I think a lot of our runners keep coming back because of the amazing volunteer energy along the race route and at the start and finish lines. Our race truly does stand out from many of the other races in the Idaho/Washington areas because of the shenanigans that take place along the course – the aid station competitions, the costumes, the chalk messages along the trail, the free beer and live music at the finish line. It just doesn't compare to many of the other road races in our area! Our volunteers truly are one of the biggest reasons this race continues to be so rad.”

The Jackass Half-Marathon and 5K is scheduled for Saturday, October 7. Volunteers will be needed for both the day of the race, as well as the night before.

If you would like to register as a runner or a volunteer please visit www.raceroster.com/events/2023/67170/2023-jackass-half-marathon-and-5k.