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Race to Robie Creek returns with a run to remember

"The toughest half marathon in the Northwest" is only a 13.1-mile race, but it packs a punch. KTVB's Jude Binkley gives a runner's eye view.

BOISE, Idaho — Runners took off at high noon on 4/20, baking under the sun during the Race to Robie Creek

Touted as the "Toughest half marathon in the Northwest," the race takes thousands of runners from Fort Boise Park, 2,100 feet up to Aldape Summit before a downhill dash to the finish at Robie Creek.

Runners have been making that 13.1-mile trek to Robie Creek since 1975. While everyone has their own reasons for running, the race's roots have remained. 

"The spirit behind it back in the 70's was our founder Jon Robertson, who we're remembering today," race organizer Allen Powers said. "In 1975 he took 23 of his friends, they were foothills runners, and just decided 'Let's run over the mountain behind Boise' ... Then a couple of years later, they decided to resurrect it and call it the Race to Robie Creek and start inviting more and more people. Eventually we got what we've got today, just a legendary rite of spring."

Powers is a member of the Rocky Canyon Sail Toads who are remembering Robertson this year, alongside many others who laced up to remember their loved ones. 

"We've asked everyone today participating to run to remember someone in their lives, so their loved ones, family or friends," Powers said. "So a lot of them are carrying mementos or photos with them over the mountain."

That remembrance shared through this year's theme: Día de Los Muertos. 

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