Missoula, Montana, a college town of around 75,000 people, is known for it’s famous river frontage as well as iconic hiking trails just minutes away from the downtown area. The Riverbank Run is a popular late spring run that starts the Montana running season off with a bang. Organized by the local YMCA, the Riverbank Run is a popular family activity that offers many various race options including the 1K, 5K, 10K, and trifecta race adding up to a total of nearly 10 miles. The race starts off crossing the historic Higgins Bridge, running across the massive Clark Fork River. Once crossing the bridge, the next three miles of the 10K show the local downtown neighborhoods right next to the University of Montana. Running alongside the campus, you’re able to experience the college feel by touring neighborhoods including local fraternities, sororities, as well as the University of Montana stadium. While running the race, the mountain views of the local “M Trail” make you thankful you are running on flat ground instead of climbing the beautiful mountain landscape at your fingertips. One of the best aspects of the race is the support that the local community provides for the participants. At every street corner, there are local police and traffic control volunteers that make the runners feel safe as well as encouraged while they complete their run. Homeowners along the race route sit on the lawns with loud motivating music, lemonade stands, and handmade signs cheering on the local racers all throughout the event. Not only is there continual support before the race from the YMCA and local coffee shop at the start line, Liquid Planet, but there is also post-race music and snacks including bread, fresh fruit, Gatorade, and electrolytes for the racers post-run provided by many vendors in the Missoula community. The Riverbank Run is a great way to start the running summer season in Montana. With a relatively flat course, it is a great first race option as a beginner runner. Not only is the registration process for the run smooth, but the YMCA also has local vendors that provide a virtual race bag for the Riverbank Run with coupons for the finishers that want to stay around and experience the local restaurants and shopping of Missoula.