Run, row and ride in the Adventure Challenge

It's Sanders County's very own triathlon - a run, row and ride race through the splendor of our surrounding natural grandeur – and it is coming to Plains Sunday, Sept. 15.

The 2019 Clark Fork Adventure Challenge, as the name implies, is an intentionally challenging race featuring an eight mile run on river Road East, followed by an eight mile kayak row in the Clark Fork River and concluded by a 15 mile bicycle ride featuring the spectacular scenery of western Montana, will begin and end at the Sanders County Fairgrounds south of Plains.

Alternatively, a Clark Fork Adventure Challenge Lite, will be held that day for those athletes not wanting the full Monte, also starting out from the county fairgrounds, and will cover only five miles running, five miles rowing and 10 miles riding.

Competing in either race, individually or as part of a run-row-ride team, athletes will be able to vie for honors in the race while also enjoying some of the most spectacular racing scenery available, perhaps anywhere in the world, let alone in little Sanders County.

The run portion of the race will follow the meandering Clark Fork River on River Road East, replete with stunning mountain views at every turn.

The rowing portion of the Challenge will give competitors a different, river-level perspective on the beauty of the valley as they take their boats to the Clark Fork and head back to the starting point of the race, where they will land on the designated beach area adjacent to the fairgrounds.

Finally, from the beach, the participants will hit the ground again and begin the biking portion of the course. The biking will begin with a gravel climb on a rough road before heading into non-motorized country where riders will then take to trails and other forest roads. Challenging vertical gain and loss areas, complete with rough terrain, rocks and vegetation will then be ridden through on the way back down to the valley bottom and the finish line at the fairgrounds

Aid stations for the runners will be set up at strategic locations along the race's course.

There are entry fees for each race on the docket - $75 per person in the Solo Triathlon, $150 per three-person team in the Team Triathlon, $65 per person in the Solo Triathlon Lite, and $130 per participant in the Team Triathlon Lite.

To learn more about the race, to register to compete, or to volunteer to help out with the running of the event, please visit the Clark Fork Adventure Challenge web page.