Registration open for virtual Spring Dash

COEUR d'ALENE — For the second straight year, the annual Spring Dash in Coeur d'Alene will be a virtual race.

People are encouraged to run the five-mile course of their choice any day from April 17 to April 30.

The fundraiser benefits the United Way of North Idaho.

Last year, about 500 runners and walkers registered for the event.

“If we can hit that again we should be in good shape,” said Executive Director Mark Tucker.

So far this year, about 200 have signed on.

Tucker said organizers would have liked to have an in-person fun run, but there was just too much uncertainty as they were in the early stages of planning for the 39th annual Spring Dash.

It would have been difficult to make definitive plans for a race without knowing the situation with vaccines and new cases, Tucker said, so they opted on the side of public safety and went with the virtual race.

Organizers hope things will be back to normal next year and they can have a great race for the 40th annual Spring Dash.

Meantime, it’s expected that hundreds of runners and walkers will be out in the second half of April completing their virtual five-mile race.

Some run the actual Dash course, starting at McEuen Park, winding through the Sanders Beach area, Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive and back. Others go with a course of their own choosing.

Registration is $25 and includes a T-shirt. Tucker said the new design of the shirt may be unveiled in the next week.

To sign up by April 30, go to www.springdashcda.com