June is almost here, and for the area of Rexburg, that means it’s a special time of the year. This is that time when thousands of runners from everywhere come and participate in the Teton Dam Marathon.
You could say that the marathon, which will be held this Saturday, really got its start on June 5, 1976. That day, Rexburg and its surrounding areas were forever changed due to a catastrophic collapse of the Teton Dam. The flood that resulted took the lives of 11 people, caused $500 million in damage and left thousands of people homeless.
Years later, the marathon has become a tradition in the area, with both runners and volunteers from Rexburg and many other areas coming to help put the event on. This will be the 14th year that the marathon will be held, and in 2016 there were over 750 participants.
There are several events during the day, so everyone can participate: the full marathon, which is 26.2 miles; the half marathon (13.1 miles); 10k (6.2 miles); and the kids' race. The kids' race will have two categories: ages 3-7, who will compete in a half mile race, and ages 8-12, who will run for a mile. There will also be relay events, including a Corporate Challenge Relay, a marathon-length race with six legs.
On the night before the race, the runners competing in the race are welcome to the Potato Bake Dinner. All of the marathon, half marathon and relay runners receive one free ticket to the event. Additional tickets will be sold for $6 in advance and $8 at the door.
You can register for the race a year in advance, and registration for the 2017 race closes on Thursday, June 1, at 6 p.m. After you are registered, you can head over to the Historical Teton Dam site, where the marathon will begin, on the day of the marathon. The starting time is 6:30 a.m. for the marathon and relay.
An awards show for the race, where the overall and relay awards will be presented, will be held at 11 a.m. at Smith Park. All of the runners who finish the race will receive a finisher’s medal.
“This race is a boost to the community because it brings in a lot of people from out of town, out of state, and a handful from out of the country!” said Irene Routson, assistant race director.
Ever since the race began 14 years ago, it has been meant a great deal to Rexburg and the area.
“Out of towners bring in extra funds to our hotels and restaurants, but more importantly they bring in new perspective, competition, and style, which keeps Rexburg fresh and open to people from different cultures and lifestyles who all come together to share in an identical hobby and lifestyle: running,” Routson said.
