The BOAR race, a local fundraiser for Blueprint, a program of HRDC that supports youth experiencing homelessness, takes place on Aug. 21.

HRDC’s Blueprint Obstacle Adventure Race, the BOAR, a family-friendly, team-oriented race with 1K and 5K options, will be held on Aug. 21 at Glen Lake Rotary Park, formerly called the East Gallatin Recreation Area.

Proceeds from the race will directly support Blueprint, a program started by HRDC in 2015 to provide a safe and inclusive environment for youth ages 16-24 experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Blueprint offers transitional housing along with a continuum of care including case management services, support services, rent assistance, and long-term housing goals.

In addition to providing safety and shelter, Blueprint is a youth-centered program that is strength-based and solutions-focused with emphasis placed on educational attainment, employment, development of positive self-image, social competencies, development of healthy boundaries, choice, and conflict resolution skills.

To help raise awareness and funding for this critical community resource, Jeremy Alcoke, HRDC Blueprint Continuum Coordinator, worked with students from MSU’s School of Architecture and a host of volunteers to develop The BOAR, an annual event for the entire community.

“We didn’t want to do just another race,” Alcoke said. “We wanted to do something that would also raise awareness about some of the hurdles faced by members of our community.” MSU’s students were recruited to develop a variety of obstacles for the course that would appeal to a broad range of racer abilities.

The 1K race is designed to be equitable for all skill levels and accessibility, while the 5K offers more athletic challenges and the 19 obstacles racers will face on the course. All obstacles were made by HRDC staff and volunteers from sponsorship and donations by community partners.

Alcoke said he “expects people to leave the race smiling while feeling accomplished and perhaps a bit dirty” from the obstacle challenges. We’ve planned to be accessible to all community members, with obstacles that allow nearly anyone to participate. This includes everyone from parents pushing strollers, to racers who may have ambulatory difficulty, to racers with developmental disabilities, and to experienced racers seeking a challenge,” Alcoke said. “The running of The BOAR is going to be a lot of fun for all!”

Registration for The BOAR will remain open until 7:00 am on the day of the race. For more details about the race, see runtheBOAR.com.