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 the base of the ski resort.  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  33.2 total miles. The Brightest Running Outfit contest takes place during Leg 6 of this set of legs.

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 25.4 miles. Contests along this set of legs include the  Woman’s Time Trial, Awesome Costume, and Wild Wig. 

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 27.7 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 which is the midpoint of Spokane to Sandpoint.    The Men’s Time Trial takes place during leg 14 of this set of legs. 

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

Preparing for the Plunge 19-24

“Preparing for the Plunge” consists of 31.3 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.  Several of our event staff have been season pass holders and can attest that this is a great place to spend a weekend!  Along this set of legs, the first couple of runners will finish the last few miles of the Centennial Trail system before handing off to the rest of the team which will make its way north to Silverwood.  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.  Silverwood park services will be available and runners that want to purchase a picture of their team just before entering one of the best tunnels can do so after the ride.  Members that don’t want to ride can watch the team from the gift shop atop the tunnel.  Runner number 25 cannot exit the theme park until your representatives are off the coaster. 

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

Dashing in the Dark 25-30

Runners will exit Silverwood Theme Park in the cover of night.  This set of legs starts off with the  Best Light Show contest during leg 25.  Look for runners that look like moving Christmas Trees as they light up the race course!  Race rules for night running apply to this set of legs until 30 minutes after sunrise.  Teams on this stretch will have the pleasure of passing through several small northern Idaho towns including Athol, Spirit Lake, Blanchard, and Old Town before arriving at major exchange 30 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 32.0 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 Lakeview Memorial Park in Sandpoint for the Finish Line party!

Click here to see a map of legs 25-30

Flight to the Finish 31-36

Okay, perhaps after already running 154 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 35.7 mile “Flight to the Finish” is one of the most scenic and dramatic finishes in all of racing.  Teams will progress from Old Town, 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 shortly after exiting the bridge at Lakeview Park. This is the same park that houses the popular Sandpoint Music Festival each summer.  Teams should progress to the finish area and await their final runner who will complete a 0.2 mile victory lap around the park’s arboretum before entering the stadium where teams will join in the final 50 meters to the Finish Line.  Congratulations, you’ve completed 190 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.  We’ll cheer you all the way!

Click here to see a map of legs 31-36

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