Missoula Marathon – It’s A Team Thing

After Jen Straughan announced her decision to step down as the only marathon race director Missoula has known, it didn’t take me long to realize the most important thing Jen had done with her time as director… Build a great team!

Under Jen’s guidance the marathon grew from an idea to the USA’s Best Marathon. At the same time, the committee grew from who ever walked in the door next, the first year, to a diverse group of 40 or more hardworking, passionate volunteers. This is a group of committee members Jen had begged, pressured, tricked into their roll with the group. Most of them had no specific knowledge of their new found roll, but after a reluctant “yes” they dove in and have become experts in their position.

Jen was the perfect person for the job of getting the Missoula Marathon where it is today. She is passionate, hardworking, demanding and doesn’t mind asking for help, whether it’s from sponsors or volunteers. Now the legacy she left, the committee, will work to take the event to the next level.

If it wasn’t for the people involved in this marathon, there is no way I would have stepped into the roll race director of the 2011. Thanks to Jen for all her hard work and passion, but mostly want to thank her for surrounding herself with the right people. Those people are working as you read this… with the goal of putting on the best marathon yet!

Thanks Jen!

Happy Running

Anders