We're just 8 days away from the 41st running of the "Toughest Race in the Northwest."  For runners who've participated in years past, the course will look a little different this year.

Every time I've driven through the new round about and construction zone around St. Luke's Hospital, I've wondered out loud "I wonder if this is going to mess with Robie? They have to run right through here and there's orange barrels everywhere!" Turns out my thoughts were legit.  The Rocky Canyon Sail Toads who organize the iconic Treasure Valley half marathon announced this week that the beginning of the race will be detoured to head toward the VA to avoid construction on Fort Street.

Organizers have arranged for a police escort to lead runners through the detour. The race will still begin at Fort Boise and end at the same place at Robie Creek.  No hills have been added or taken out in the course change, so get excited for that toe-nail jarring downhill run into the flat, agonizing final stretch to your free beer at the finish line.

FYI, it's not the first time Robie's had to alter the course over the years.  Each time they've made a change it's been due to construction in rapidly growing Downtown Boise.

Brave enough to run the race or have a friend who is? Check out the course detours below and visit the Race to Robie Creek Facebook page to get all your questions answered by the Sail Toads or see the map.

41st Race to Robie Creek Course Changes

  • The starting line will remain the same on Scout Lane (near the softball fields at Fort Boise).
  • Runners will proceed to E. Garrison Rd,
  • Turn Right on Collins Rd. heading towards the VA,
  • Turn Right on N. Collins Rd./South VA Loop,
  • Turn Right on an access road just past the Idaho State Veterans’ Home,
  • Proceed through the parking lot near the Boise High School Softball Field,
  • Turn Right on Mountain Cove Rd.,
  • Turn Left on to Reserve St.,
  • The remainder of the course is the same heading up Shaw Mt. Road to Rocky Canyon.

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