2026 ARK Foundation RUN FOR RARE
- Date Sun 19th July 2026
- Time 9:00AM MDT
- Location Missoula, Montana
- Price $11.60
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Join us on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in beautiful Missoula for the exhilarating 2026 ARK Foundation Run for Rare! This vibrant event aims to raise awareness and support for individuals affected by over 7,000 rare diseases, which impact 5% of the world's population. Lace up your shoes for a timed 5K route that welcomes runners and walkers of all fitness levels, or opt for the fun 1-mile route perfect for those who prefer a more leisurely pace. The race begins at the Bitterroot Shelter near the pickleball fields at Fort Missoula, setting the stage for an unforgettable day.
Participants can enjoy a lively atmosphere with pre and post-race activities, including music, refreshments, and exciting prizes. Food trucks will be on-site to satisfy your cravings, and children under 18 can participate for free! Every registered adult will receive a complimentary event shirt, with limited youth sizes available for a small fee. Don’t forget to show your support by adding a splash of zebra-themed flair to your outfit, symbolizing the uniqueness of rare diseases. Your involvement not only promotes understanding and hope but also supports the ARK Foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for families facing rare, complex, or chronic
Participants can enjoy a lively atmosphere with pre and post-race activities, including music, refreshments, and exciting prizes. Food trucks will be on-site to satisfy your cravings, and children under 18 can participate for free! Every registered adult will receive a complimentary event shirt, with limited youth sizes available for a small fee. Don’t forget to show your support by adding a splash of zebra-themed flair to your outfit, symbolizing the uniqueness of rare diseases. Your involvement not only promotes understanding and hope but also supports the ARK Foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for families facing rare, complex, or chronic
Organiser's Description
Join us for the Run for Rare, an event to raise awareness and support for individuals affected by rare diseases. Over 7,000 rare diseases have been identified worldwide and people with rare disease represent 5% of the worlds population.
T-shirt/Bib Pick Up: Friday, July 17th from 5:30pm-7pm at the Bitterroot Shelter in Fort Missoula
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
* A timed 5K route open to runners and walkers of all fitness and ability levels
* A fun 1 mile route suitable for walking, rolling, or running for those who do not wish to participate in the 5k
* Pre and post-race activities with music, refreshments, and prizes
* Food Trucks
* Family Friendly
* Children under the age of 18 participate for free
* Every registered participant 18+ receives a FREE event shirt as part of their registration. Youth sizes are available for a small $5 add-on to help offset production costs. Shirt sizes are available in limited quantities and will be prioritized for participants who register before June 15th, so dont wait to register!
* Raffle
* Local businesses and healthcare providers on site to answer questions and connect families to trusted resources (no need to register if you are not participating in the run)
* A chance to support ongoing awareness and advocacy efforts of the ARK Foundation
The race starting point is at the Bitterroot Shelter near the pickle ball fields at Fort Missoula.
Preview the 5K route here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3320886051403139206
Preview the 1 mile route here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3458892683425389650
IN THE SPIRIT OF RAISING AWARENESS, WE ENCOURAGE PARTICIPANTS TO ADD A TOUCH OF ZEBRA-THEMED FLAIR TO THEIR OUTFITS IF THEYD LIKESYMBOLIZING THE UNIQUENESS OF RARE DISEASES. WHETHER YOU RUN, WALK, OR CHEER FROM THE SIDELINES, YOUR PARTICIPATION HELPS US CREATE A FUTURE OF UNDERSTANDING, HOPE, AND SUPPORT TO FAMILIES FACING THE UNIMAGINABLE IN WESTERN MONTANA.
All proceeds go to The ARK Foundation, a local 501c3 foundation dedicated to helping tough kids and their families. Our mission is to provide financial support and advocacy for families of children living with rare, complex, or chronic medical conditions. We strive to enhance their quality of life and foster hope through awareness and collaboration. Learn more at www.ark-foundation.org
T-shirt/Bib Pick Up: Friday, July 17th from 5:30pm-7pm at the Bitterroot Shelter in Fort Missoula
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
* A timed 5K route open to runners and walkers of all fitness and ability levels
* A fun 1 mile route suitable for walking, rolling, or running for those who do not wish to participate in the 5k
* Pre and post-race activities with music, refreshments, and prizes
* Food Trucks
* Family Friendly
* Children under the age of 18 participate for free
* Every registered participant 18+ receives a FREE event shirt as part of their registration. Youth sizes are available for a small $5 add-on to help offset production costs. Shirt sizes are available in limited quantities and will be prioritized for participants who register before June 15th, so dont wait to register!
* Raffle
* Local businesses and healthcare providers on site to answer questions and connect families to trusted resources (no need to register if you are not participating in the run)
* A chance to support ongoing awareness and advocacy efforts of the ARK Foundation
The race starting point is at the Bitterroot Shelter near the pickle ball fields at Fort Missoula.
Preview the 5K route here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3320886051403139206
Preview the 1 mile route here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3458892683425389650
IN THE SPIRIT OF RAISING AWARENESS, WE ENCOURAGE PARTICIPANTS TO ADD A TOUCH OF ZEBRA-THEMED FLAIR TO THEIR OUTFITS IF THEYD LIKESYMBOLIZING THE UNIQUENESS OF RARE DISEASES. WHETHER YOU RUN, WALK, OR CHEER FROM THE SIDELINES, YOUR PARTICIPATION HELPS US CREATE A FUTURE OF UNDERSTANDING, HOPE, AND SUPPORT TO FAMILIES FACING THE UNIMAGINABLE IN WESTERN MONTANA.
All proceeds go to The ARK Foundation, a local 501c3 foundation dedicated to helping tough kids and their families. Our mission is to provide financial support and advocacy for families of children living with rare, complex, or chronic medical conditions. We strive to enhance their quality of life and foster hope through awareness and collaboration. Learn more at www.ark-foundation.org
Races
-
ARK Foundation Run for Rare 5k
Incl. $1.60 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 19th July 2026 (9:00AM MDT)
$11.60
OPENS 15 MAR -
1 Mile Fun Run
Incl. $1.60 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 19th July 2026 (9:00AM MDT)
$11.60
OPENS 15 MAR
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3219 Fort Missoula Rd,, Missoula, 59804, MT, United States
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2026 ARK Foundation RUN FOR RARE
