Run For Wilderness

News Release Date: August 1, 2014

Contact: Visitor Center staff, 208-527-1335

Join Craters of the Moon staff and friends for the first annual Run the Rift Fun Run and other special events on Wild Saturday, September 27. A 5K and 10K run/walk will start at 8 a.m., followed by a wilderness puppet show, a trail exhibit dedication, and a wilderness film festival.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act Monument staff are offering a variety of special events including our first annual Run the Rift Fun Run. Runners and walkers can choose from 5 and 10 kilometer routes around the scenic Loop Road. Sponsored by the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association this event is a fund raiser to help support field trips and educational programs at Craters of the Moon for Idaho school children. Receive a special t-shirt, water bottle and running bib by registering before September 19. Space is limited to the first 100 registrants. Register on-line at:

http://www.active.com/arco-id/running/races/run-the-rift-craters-of-the-moon-fun-run-2014

Park entrance is free on the day of the event at all national parks in recognition of National Public Lands Day. In addition to the fun run, park staff will also offer the following free special events:

Wilderness Puppet Show:11 a.m. - noon;visitor center theater
Experience the antics of Idaho critters as they share A Song for Wilderness, presented by the Idaho Puppet Theatre.

Wilderness trail exhibit dedication: 1:30 p.m.
Hike to the sign, located on the Wilderness Trail, for a ribbon cutting and short speeches near the boundary of the first Wilderness area in the National Park System.

Wilderness Film Festival: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act and National Public Lands Day by enjoying a selection of short films about wilderness.

Star Party: September 26 &27
Join experts from the Idaho Falls Astronomical Society and experience the universe under our naturally dark skies. Enjoy a presentation about the night sky and Craters of the Moon's "unearthly" connections both nights in the campground amphitheater at 8:30 pm. Then head to the Caves Area parking lot for telescope viewing of the skies above.

Join us for a Wild Saturday filled with fun and fitness for the entire family at the first designated Wilderness area in the National Park System on September 27!