Hit the Trail Challenge 2026 Wrap Up

The 2026 Hit the Trail Challenge wrapped up on May 31, and what a month it was! Participants logged 19,395 miles on the Whitefish Trail—1,744 more miles than last year while raising critical funds to support the trail. We didn’t quite hit our goal of 30,000 miles but we’re thrilled by the community's enthusiasm and participation.

Fun fact: our trail counters recorded 11,781 visits at seven of our trailheads during May. At just two miles per visit, that's more than 23,500 miles traveled—and when estimated across all Whitefish Trail trailheads, total trail use likely exceeded 47,000 miles. The miles are out there—we just need more people logging them for us to secure more funding! Help us spread the word and make next year's Challenge even bigger.

This year's totals included: Congratulations to our top mileage earners:

• 8,421 hiking miles • Top Hiker: Wendy Johnson – 266.5 miles

• 7,314 biking miles • Top Biker: Geoff Gibb – 768.1 miles

• 3,656 running miles • Top Runner: Tristan Scott – 269.2 miles

In the Workplace Challenge, the Sheldon the Turtle Trophy returns to Muldown Elementary School Teachers, who reclaimed the title with 116.9 points. The Wave (105.2 points) and Stack Financial Management (81.2 points) rounded out the top three.

Thank you to our event sponsors—Noller Automotive Supercenter, Logan Health Whitefish, Stockman Bank, Averill Hospitality, Glacier Medical Associates, Park Side Credit Union, The Wave, Third Street Market, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, and Explore Whitefish—and to Drew Silvers for capturing the spirit of the challenge in video throughout the month. A big thank you to REI, Haskell Creek Farms, onX Offroad, Glacier Cyclery, and Oboz for donating prizes for our winners.

Thank you to everyone who participated. Every mile logged helps support recreation, conservation, education, and stewardship on the Whitefish Trail.