Beat the Blues Winter Marathon

A Beat the Blue Winter Marathon is taking place between now and Feb. 12 throughout the area.

The challenge is to complete a full marathon or more (26 miles) between Dec. 10 and Feb. 12, 2017. This may be done by running, walking, snowshoeing, or biking 26 miles outdoors at whatever pace works for participants and their families. Playing outside for thirty minutes is also equal to one mile. Mileage is to be recorded on the provided mileage log.

A final mile party will be held Sunday, Feb. 12 from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. at Westside Elementary  and Wayside Ice Skating Rink in Decorah. The event will include outdoor activities, games, snacks and raffle prizes. The party is free and open to everyone, including those who did not participate in the marathon.

Participants are also encouraged to compete in the ultra marathon challenge by competing in more than one marathon.

Prizes are available to those who complete one or more marathon mileage log. Prizes include a pair of snow shoes, free canoe/kayak rentals, free camping at Lake Meyer, free admission punch passes to the Cresco  Fitness Center, Decorah Public Swimming Pool, Northeast Iowa YMCA and the Waukon Wellness Center.

To download a mileage log go to www.winneshiekwild.com. Logs may also be picked up at the Herald in Postville, Cresco Fitness Center, Decorah Bicycles, Northeast Iowa YMCA or Waukon Wellness Center.

Completed logs may be returned in person to the Final Mile Party on Feb. 12 or emailed to abril@uerpc.org. They may also be mailed to: April Bril UERPC, 325 Washington Street, Suite A, Decorah, IA 52101.

Logs that are emailed or mailed must be received by Friday, Feb. 10 to be considered for prizes.

Event sponsors are Cresco Fitness Center, Decorah Bicycles, Decorah Parks and Recreation, Hutchinson Family Farm Campground, Northeast Iowa YMCA and Waukon Wellness Center.