Runners Ready for Tough Race to Robie Creek Despite Storms

The iconic half-marathon event in Boise returns this Saturday with 2,000 participants tackling the challenging 2,000-foot climb.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting runners, the winding course, and the rugged Boise landscape, conveying the challenging and dynamic nature of the Race to Robie Creek half-marathon.A cubist interpretation of the grueling Race to Robie Creek half-marathon, capturing the challenge and energy of the iconic Boise event.Boise Today

The Race to Robie Creek, a beloved half-marathon event in Boise, Idaho, is set to take place this Saturday despite recent storms in the area. The 13.1-mile course is known for its grueling 2,000-foot climb over Aldape Summit, making it one of the toughest half-marathons in the Northwest. Despite concerns about the course conditions, organizers and runners are confident that the trail will be in good shape after a day of drying out on Friday, and they are looking forward to the challenge.

Why it matters

The Race to Robie Creek is a beloved annual event that marks the start of the running season in Boise. The race's reputation for being one of the most challenging half-marathons in the region attracts runners from all over, and its success is a testament to the city's vibrant outdoor and athletic community.

The details

The Race to Robie Creek course takes runners on a journey that includes a 2,000-foot climb over Aldape Summit. Despite recent snowfall and rain, the organizers and runners are confident that the trail will be in good condition by race day. Runners have been training for 12 weeks, including hill work on the course, and they are prepared to tackle any conditions they may encounter, whether it's mud, rain, or even snow.

  • The Race to Robie Creek is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • Recent storms brought snow and rain to the area earlier this week, raising concerns about the course conditions.
  • Organizers expect the trail to be in good shape after a day of drying out on Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Spencer Batt

A runner who has participated in the Race to Robie Creek and described the challenging nature of the event.

A.K. Whitaker

A representative from Fleet Feet Treasure Valley, who helped train a team of 46 runners for the race.

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What they’re saying

“It's really fun, and then you always question why you are doing it about mile seven, and then you get over the summit. Then it happens again in the last mile when things flatten out, but then everyone is cheering you on at the end, and there are kegs of beer, so what more can you ask for?”

— Spencer Batt

“The conditions are really unknown at this point. We have been training for 12 weeks doing hill work training on the course, we have matching shirts, and we are super stoked.”

— A.K. Whitaker, Representative, Fleet Feet Treasure Valley

“Heck yeah, we are ready for those conditions for sure. We trained in spikes, we trained in rain, we trained in mud just in case— to be ready for any conditions, but we will take good conditions for sure.”

— A.K. Whitaker, Representative, Fleet Feet Treasure Valley

What’s next

Organizers expect the Race to Robie Creek to sell out all 2,000 bibs, which would beat the previous record of 7 minutes. Spectators will need to purchase a pass and take a bus from the start to the finish line due to limited parking at the bottom of Robie Creek.

The takeaway

The Race to Robie Creek is a beloved annual event that showcases Boise's vibrant outdoor and athletic community. Despite the challenging nature of the course, runners are eager to take on the 2,000-foot climb and celebrate their accomplishments with friends, family, and a well-earned beer at the finish line.