This popular event returns to Bozeman to help raise financial support and awareness for HRDC’s Blueprint Continuum Program which works to ensure no young adult is confronted with the unthinkable obstacle of homelessness.

Bozeman – The BOAR, HRDC’s family-friendly, obstacle course adventure race with 1K and 5K options, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 26th, at Glen Lake Rotary Park, formerly called the East Gallatin Recreation Area.

Participants may sign up to race individually or as part of a team and will enjoy a unique race day experience with multiple different obstacle challenges along the course that range from a slip-and-slide to a climbing wall. The 1K race is designed to be equitable for all skill levels and features full accessibility, while the 5K offers more athletic challenges throughout the course including a handful of new obstacles. All obstacles were constructed by HRDC staff and designed by MSU architecture students which was made possible through sponsorships and donations from community partners.

Proceeds from the race will directly support Blueprint, a program started by HRDC in 2015 to provide a safe and inclusive environment for teens and young adults between the ages of 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

In addition to safety and shelter, Blueprint provides a continuum of care and wrap-around supportive services including case management, rent assistance, and long-term housing. HRDC’s Blueprint program also places critical emphasis 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 essential 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 race itself as well as a variety of obstacles for the course that would appeal to a broad range of abilities.

For Alcoke, The BOAR is more than just another race. “All of the obstacles represent some of the hurdles youth experiencing homelessness may face. We wanted to do something that would raise awareness of the critical need and the many challenges members of our community experience.”

Alcoke said that the race’s first two years have been a great success and went on to explain that those who raced left smiling while feeling accomplished from the obstacle challenges they conquered. “What makes The BOAR special is that it is truly a race for all, with obstacles that allow nearly anyone to participate. From parents pushing strollers, to racers who may have ambulatory difficulty, to racers with developmental disabilities, and to experienced racers seeking a challenge,” Alcoke explained. “This year’s running of The BOAR is guaranteed 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. Merchandise will be available for purchase on the day of the race along with a variety of food options from HRDC’s Mighty Spork food truck.

More details about the race and a registration form can be found at runtheBOAR.com.

As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives, HRDC combats poverty in southwestern Montana and believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be financially stable. Donors, volunteers, and community members can find out what we have in common at https://thehrdc.org/