If you had a chance this year to try something new, something a little out of your comfort zone, something slightly off the beaten path – would you take it? What if you had six chances?
Out There Monthly is excited to introduce the Team OTM Challenge, a new 6-month program of trail and road runs and bike rides that will remind you why living in the Inland Northwest is way up there on your “Things I’m Thankful For” list. This program will challenge you to complete at least one participating race each month from May through October. OTM is working with race directors of more than 30 events in 2016 to bring Team OTM Challenge participants a diverse selection of races, both on dirt and on pavement. “We have so many cool races and events here in the Inland Northwest,” says OTM Publisher Derrick Knowles, “and we wanted to find a way to encourage more of our readers to get out there and try something new.”
The Team OTM Challenge will focus more on the act of running or riding than on the social aspect of those activities (although there will be plenty of team camaraderie before, during and after the 2016 season), letting you test yourself during each event and throughout the season without the pressure of weekly group runs. Your challenge is to explore and discover new races, activities and countryside, and push your own limits, not to compete against the clock.
“Even though it’s an individual challenge,” says Knowles, “our program participants will be a part of something beyond themselves by getting out there to push themselves with like-minded people in the outdoors community.”
Kick-Off
The Team OTM Challenge will kick off with a party at No-Li Brewhouse on April 6, where you’ll have a chance to meet your fellow teammates, receive your gender-specific team tech shirt and other OTM swag, chat with local race and event directors, and win raffle prizes from our program sponsors – all with a free pint in hand.
The Program Season
From May through October, you’ll challenge yourself to complete at least one running or riding event each month. You’ll have dozens of races and less competitive fun runs and rides to choose from. As a Team OTM Challenge participant, you’ll receive generous registration discounts of up to 30% off each event (which means you’ll easily make back your program registration fee). Participating races will include individual and relay run and bike events, both on and off road. Check here for an updated list of races and events.
Wrap-Up
At the end of the season, participants will get together again at a Spokane area brewery (location TBD) in early November, where we’ll celebrate our successes (and mourn our missteps) with more prizes from our program sponsors, more free beer, and a preview of the following season.
Form Your Own Team
Don’t want to sign up by yourself? Then sign up on a 4-person team. Our team option allows you to gather some friends, co-workers, or family members and challenge each other as well as other teams in the program. You’ll all get a big price break on registration (4 people for the price of 3).
Register Now
Early registration (now through April 6) costs $50. Late registration (after April 6) will cost $60. Register online at www.outtheremonthly.com/team-otm-challenge. You love getting out there, and we at Out There Monthly love helping you achieve that goal. In 2016, let’s get out there together with the Team OTM Challenge!
Participating Events (More Coming Soon)
You’ll get access to ALL of these race discounts, so you can do as many as you like! (But we encourage you to challenge yourself to do at least six.)
May
- Priest Lake Spring Run 20% off
- The Nakusp Road Bike Weekend 30% off
- Nakusp Half Marathon and 5k fun Run 30% off
- Trail Maniacs State Park Series (Farragut State Park, 13.1 & 5 mile) 10% off
- Trail Maniacs Liberty Lake Trail Run 10% off
- Troika Triathlon: Half ($140, up to $55 off); Olympic ($70, up to $15 off); Sprint ($55, up to $20 off)
- Wednesday Night MTB Race Series at Riverside State Park (every Wednesday night in May and June) $3 off per race. Team OTM Challenge participants pay only $17 per race (normally $20). Payable before each race by credit card only. (Note: a number plate/timing chip is also required for $5 and is good for all of the races in the series.)
June
- Dad’s Day Dash 5K 30% off
- Kaniksu 50 Ultra and Ruck Race 30% off
- Priest Lake Woodrat Mountain Bike Race 20% off
- CHAFE 150 20% off
- The Amazing Burton Race 30% off
- Trail Maniacs State Park Series (Heyburn State Park, 13.1 & 5 mile) 10% off
- Windermere Marathon 10%
- Windermere Half Marathon 10%
- Foothills Scenic Five (5 & 3 mile courses) 10%
- Wednesday Night MTB Race Series at Riverside State Park (every Wednesday night in May and June) $3 off per race. Team OTM Challenge participants pay only $17 per race (normally $20). Payable before each race by credit card only. (Note: a number plate/timing chip is also required for $5 and is good for all of the races in the series.)
July
- Tiger Triathlon $10 off
- Up Chuck Challenge 5k 30% off
- Idaho Peak Mt Marathon and 10k Trail run 30% off
- Trail Maniacs State Park Series (Mount Spokane State Park, 13.1 & 5 mile) 10% off
- Bare Buns Fun Run 5K 20% off
- Valley Girl Triathlon 20% off
- Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration (10, 25 and 50 mile rides) 10% off
- 5 in July MTB Race Series at Farragut State Park 20% off
August
- Spokane to Sandpoint Relay Run 30% off (at least 3 S2S team members must be Team OTM participants)
- Priest Lake Triathlon 20% off
- Trail Maniacs Jack Ass Hill Climb (7 mile run up Silver Mountain Resort) 10% off
- Haulin’ Aspen Trail Marathon (Bend, OR) 20% off
- Wunder Woman Triathlon 20% off
September
- Priest Lake Marathon 20% off
- Kootenay Sufferfest (Multisport)
- Rathdrum Adventure Race 20% off
- Smokechaser 30K 20% off
- Happy Girls Run Spokane 10k & 5k 20% off
October
- Trail Maniacs State Park Series (Riverside State Park, 13.1 & 5 mile) 10% off
- Trail Maniacs State Park Series (Hells Gate State Park, 13.1 & 5 mile) 10% off
- Sekani Trail Run 5k & 10k (Camp Sekani Park) 10% off
- Inland NW Cyclocross Series Races (dates TBD) 20% off
*Age Requirements: We welcome participants of all ages to the Team OTM Challenge program. However, race directors determine the age requirements for their own events. Participants younger than 18 years old should check the age requirements for the specific races and events that interest them.
Swag Bag
Each participant will receive a swag bag full of the goodies listed below, and more!
Lyte Balance 2oz electrolyte concentration sample.
Mellow Monkey Yoga Studio three class pass good for all regular yoga classes.
Physical Therapy Associates three class pass for all regular fitness classes.
Healing Balance Massage 50% massage discount.
Fun Unlimited three standup paddleboard rental passes.
Zinnia Designs 20% off permaculture design consultation.
Avista superlight flashlight.
Bumble Bar junior sized bars.
