Spokane to Sandpoint

Spokane to Sandpoint is comprised of 36 total legs.  Each team is responsible to provide two support vehicles with enough room for six runners each.  Van 1 will complete a set of 6 legs and then handoff to Van 2 which will then complete a set of 6 legs.  Each Van completes 3 sets of 6 legs for a total of 18 (or half) of the 36 legs.  Spokane to Sandpoint has given each set of 6 legs some interesting and telling names:.

Down the Mountain: Legs 1-6

Racers start atop picturesque Mt. Spokane at Bear Creek Lodge.  The Race Start is staggered so that the slower teams (min/mile) begin earlier and the faster teams start later.  The first couple of legs are sure to be fast as teams make their way off the mountain heading south and then west.  After the midway point at Colbert Elementary teams then progress on back roads with tall pine trees and the Little Spokane River keeping them company.  Exchange 4 at Pine River Park is a great place to spend some time cooling off as there is waterfront beach access, public facilities, and lots of shade.  The final two legs wind their way toward Sontag Park where Van 2 awaits.  “Down the Mountain” consists of  30.2 total miles.  Three exciting and fun contests take place during this set of legs:  Wild Wig (leg #1), Awesome Costume (leg # 2), and the Brightest Running Outfit (leg # 6). 

Click here to see a map of legs 1 - 6

Through The Forest: Legs 7-12

Racers begin at Sontag Park in Nine Mile Falls at the trailhead of the Spokane River Centennial Trail.  This trail system has been deemed a National Millennium Trail.  You’ll discover why as you race through beautiful scenery nestled along the Spokane River.  Places like Deep Creek, the Bowl and Pitcher, and Riverside State Park make this a runner’s paradise.  The Centennial Trail is closed to motorized vehicles so make sure your vehicle driver follows the driver directions in the Race Handbook.  If weather conditions are hot, racers might consider bringing water with them.  At Exchange 8 racers get to race across the Bowl and Pitcher scenic bridge with the Spokane River rushing just below.  To say the setting is spectacular is an understatement.  The final three runners dash their way through the heart of Spokane while passing through Riverfront Park, home of the ’74 World Expo, enchanting Upriver Drive, and cross over Denny Ashlock Memorial Bridge before handing off the team wristband to Van 1 at Maribeau Park where race services await. "Through the Forest" consists of 26.9 miles. Contests along this set of legs include the Men & Women's Time Trial  (leg # 7) and the Tattoo Contest (leg # 12). 

Click here to see a map of legs 7-12.

 To the Beach: Legs 13-18

After catching a rest with plenty of space to lay out at Maribeau Park runners in Van 1 will begin their second set of 6 legs as they make their way to the City Beach in Coeur d’Alene.  “To the Beach” consists of 27.2 miles.  The first ten miles are along the Spokane Centennial Trail and then the last seventeen are along the North Idaho Centennial Trail system.  Reminder, the Centennial Trail is designated for runners, walkers, rollerbladers, and bikers only.  No motorized vehicles are allowed so please refer to the Race Handbook for driving directions.  There are numerous places where vehicles can drive ahead of their runner and then get out and cheer them as they pass by.  After crossing into Idaho runners will make their way through Post Falls and then into Coeur d’ Alene, voted one of the Best Places to Recreate and Live.  Coeur d’ Alene is not shy on scenery, places to catch a bite to eat, or excitement.  The final runner of this vanload will finish by running along River Avenue, part of the Coeur d’ Alene Ironman Triathlon and Coeur d’ Alene Marathon courses, and finish at Coeur d’ Alene’s captivating City Beach Park, the midpoint of Spokane to Sandpoint Team Relay.  Enjoy the beach! 

Click here to see a map of legs 13-18.

Preparing for the Plunge: Legs 19-24

“Preparing for the Plunge” consists of 30.5 miles.  After cooling off at one of the most prestigious lakefront areas in Northern Idaho, that being Coeur d’ Alene City Beach, runners will then make their way to Silverwood Theme Park.   Silverwood is the Northwest’s most popular Theme Park with nearly one million people making the trek to visit the always-expanding attractions.  Along this set of legs, the first couple of runners will finish the last few miles of the Centennial Trail system as well as enjoy the newly created Prairie Trail system (which used to be an old railroad track before the recent paved renovation – you’re going to love it!).  The remaining runners along this section will make their way north to Silverwood where TREMORS awaits.  Runners must wear reflective vests and carry a light source (headlamp/flashlight) 30 minutes prior to sundown.  Your safety is our number one concern!  Once arriving at Silverwood your team will have an opportunity to ride Tremors Roller Coaster, a ride that plunges you toward the Earth at over 65 miles per hour and through several underground tunnels!  This concept, riding a roller coaster around midnight, is what makes Spokane to Sandpoint unlike any other running event out there.  The roller coaster is voluntary, however it is expected that your team would at least have representation on the coaster.  This means you could just have one person ride, or all twelve daredevils can ride together.  Members that don’t want to ride can watch the team from the gift shop atop the tunnel.  Runner # 1 cannot exit the theme park to begin Leg 25 until your representatives are off the coaster.  If your team opts not to have anyone ride the coaster you will be held at the Exchange zone for 15 minutes before being allowed to exit to ensure that teams are not at a time disadvantage for riding the coaster.  The Best Light Show contest occurs during leg 20 (runner # 8) of this section.  Have fun!

Click here to see a map of legs 19-24.

Dashing in the Dark: Legs 25-30

Runners will exit Silverwood Theme Park in the cover of night.  Race rules for night running apply to this set of legs until 30 minutes after sunrise.  Teams on this stretch will escape into back-country roads while running the valley floor in between Long Mountain off to the east and Hoodoo Mountain off to the west.  This is the final series of running legs for Van 1 before arriving at Major Exchange 30 in Priest River where van 2 awaits.  Take time to enjoy the monster pine trees that surround you as you make your way through the Kaniksu National Forest, a gorgeous place to run.  Runners in Van 1 can celebrate as they finish their final 31.7 miles during “Dashing in the Dark.”  After passing off to Van 2 take some time to rest and recoup and then make your way to Sandpoint for the Finish Line celebration!

Click here to see a map of legs 25-30

Flight to the Finish: Legs 31-36

Okay, perhaps after already running nearly 150 miles as a team this leg should more aptly be called “Hurting for Home,” but let’s keep things positive right?  Our staff firmly believes that the 29.7 mile “Flight to the Finish” is one of the most scenic and dramatic finishes in all of racing.  Teams will progress from Priest River, Idaho westward traveling on back-country roads that trace the majestic Pend Oreille River (one of Idaho’s best watersheds).  The final runner who completes leg 36 of Spokane to Sandpoint will carry the team’s hopes (as well as the well worn wristband!) across one of the longest bridges with a fully sanctioned sports section in all of the Northwest.  The 2.2 mile Sandpoint Long Bridge across Pend Oreille Lake is sure to take your breath away and provide the added energy you’ll need to reach the finish line in beautiful Sandpoint.  All 12 teammates should be ready to join their anchor runner for the final victorious 50 meters to the Finish Line.  Congratulations, you’ve completed 185 miles of runner’s paradise, enhanced some great friendships along the way, and are now ready for some sleep and an extra large post-race meal.  Way to GO!

Click here to see a map of legs 31-36

Contact us: email: info@spokanetosandpoint.com Phone # (509) 346-1440