You’ve watched your dog run wild and free through the Hugh Rogers WAG (Whitefish Animal Group) Park in Whitefish, now it’s time to give back with a little running of your own. The Whitefish WAG Race on May 16 is a fundraiser race for the only off-leash dog park in the Flathead Valley.
The race, which starts and finishes at the WAG Park parking area, offers a four-mile run/walk, a one-and-a-half mile run/walk and a USATF certified 15K. Participants are encouraged to run or walk with a canine companion on a leash. Having a dog attached does, however, disqualify you for USATF records.
Whether you’re racing, take advantage of the five-acre park set below the stunning vista of Big Mountain. The park features paths, benches, a drinking fountain for dogs and is free and open to the public.
The next project, already underway, is a pavilion shade structure designed by local architect Dia Sulliven. The park’s future plans include a berm and obstacle course, more paved pathways and a pond expansion with bridges and a beach.
For more information on the park, visit wagparks.org or check out its blog at wagparks.blogspot. com.
For more information on the WAG Race – including race maps, rules and registration information – visit wagrace.runwhitefish.org.
How to get there: From downtown Whitefish, travel east on Second Street off U.S. Highway 93. The entrance to the park is on the south side of the road about a mile from the Highway 93 and Second Street intersection.