Welcome to the Parks Run Challenge...

What would it be like to run 2,266 miles to and through all of the national parks located in the northwest United States? During the 2009-2010 school year the 4th and 5th grade students of Russell Elementary in Missoula, Montana virtually found out! The two grades were actually two "teams", virtually running and walking along a winding course through the states of Montana, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. While on the journey they learned about fitness, various locations, and about the following U.S. national parks ─ in order: Yellowstone National Park (Montana); Crater Lake National Park (Oregon); Mount Rainier National Park (Washington); Olympic National Park (Washington); North Cascades National Park (Washington); and finally, Glacier National Park (Montana).

The Finish Line - Glacier National Park, Montana

The kids completed their journey during the final week of the school year (June 7-11, 2010) at Glacier National Park, located in northwest Montana (only 160 miles north of their school). During May 2010, the park had its centennial celebration – having been a national park since May 11, 1910. Explore this site to learn about the big adventure the 4th and 5th grade students of Russell Elementary had between September 2009 and June 2010.