The Missoula Downtown Association and Run Wild Missoula will host a River City Roots Run Registration Party Friday, Aug. 1 from 5-8 pm at Runner’s Edge and the alley behind the store located at 304 North Higgins. The party will be held in conjunction with First Friday Gallery Night, complete with live music and Big Sky beer.
Folks interested in participating in the Roots Four-Mile Run are encouraged to stop in and register for the race, set for Sunday, Aug. 24 at 10 am. Unlike any other race in Missoula, the Roots Run starts on Sunday morning at Circle Square – where the traditional Farmers’ Market is located. The run goes east on Spruce Street, up Duncan Hill on Greenough Drive, back down through shady Greenough Park, and back Downtown, finishing at the intersection of Main and Ryman in front of the Roots Fest Main Stage.
Missoula’s Soul City Brass Band will open Sunday’s Music on Main schedule and will play until almost noon. The Juried Art Show runs from 11 am-7 pm on Main Street, while the Family Fun Festival in Caras Park is from 11 am-4 pm.
Photo by Athena Photography
The top five male and female winners will all receive cash prizes, and prizes will be given to all age group winners as well. All runners will receive a Roots Run t-shirt and a commemorative cup, wristband and complimentary beer for Sunday’s Roots Fest.
All Roots Run registrations will take place online or on the Run Wild Missoula website. Cost for entry is $23 this week, going up to $30 on August 2. Run Wild Missoula members receive a small discount on registration.
The Roots Run is sponsored by Runner’s Edge, the Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown, First Security Bank and WGM Group. The ninth annual River City Roots Festival is sponsored by the Missoulian and more than 50 other Missoula-area businesses.
Roots Fest opens on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 11 am with the Juried Art Show and the Stand Up Paddle Board Contest. Music on Main commences at 12:30 pm with the Lil’ Smokies and continues throughout the day. Saturday headliner Sam Bush will play from 8:30-10:30 pm. Roots Fest is admission-free, and folks are encouraged to walk, bike or ride Mountain Line free of charge throughout the day.
More information on Roots Fest can be obtained online or by calling the Missoula Downtown Association at 543-4238.
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