Jen McKenna Paddle and Run 6.0

  • Date Sat 12th September 2026
  • Time 8:00AM PDT
  • Location Coeur D Alene, Idaho
  • Price $56.12 - $204.52
  • Races 4 races

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating day of adventure at the Jen McKenna Paddle and Run 6.0, taking place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the beautiful Coeur D'Alene, Kootenai. This unique event combines the thrill of paddling and running, honoring the spirit of Jen McKenna, an outdoor enthusiast whose legacy inspires us all. Participants can choose between two exciting race distances: the short course, featuring a 1.6-mile paddle followed by a 4-mile run, or the brand new long course, which encompasses a total of approximately 10 miles of paddling and running.

The short course invites individual athletes or 2-person teams to paddle around Higgens Point and enjoy a scenic run along the Centennial Trail. For those seeking a greater challenge, the long course offers a dynamic paddle-run-paddle-run format for individuals and teams of up to three. With awards for the top finishers in both categories and a vibrant post-race celebration filled with food and drinks, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all participants. Join us in celebrating the great outdoors and supporting the Companions Animal Shelter while creating lasting memories in honor of Jen's adventurous spirit!

Organiser's Description

Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Jen McKenna Paddle and Run 6.0. Join us for this great event experience. The Jen McKenna Paddle and Run will return to its location at Higgens Point. We are offering two race distances this year: the normal short course and the brand new long course. SHORT COURSE: Athletes will begin just east of the Higgens Point boat launch and paddle around Higgens Point into Blue Creek Bay to the turn around and double back to the paddle exit. Paddle distance is approximately 1.6 miles. Then, runners head along the Centennial Trail to the turn around and double back before a short trail run and finish at the Higgens Point Park at the end of the Centennial Trail. Run distance is approximately 4 miles. This is an INDIVIDUAL or 2-PERSON TEAM (1 paddler, 1 runner) event. LONG COURSE INDIVIDUAL OR 2- OR 3-PERSON TEAM (1 PADDLER AND 1 OR 2 RUNNERS): It will be a paddle-run-paddle-run event. Athletes paddle into Blue Creek Bay to the day use park on the east side, disembark and head out on the Blue Creek Trail system, doubling back to the day use park, paddle back to Higgens Point, and disembark to run the Centennial Trail to the turn around, and double back to the day use park at Higgens Point. Total distance will be approximately 10 miles. if you choose the team option, there are 2 runners and 1 paddler - one runner runs the first run course, the second runner runs the second run course, and the third person paddles between the two run courses.

Awards will be given for the top 3 men and women for short and long course and top team (short and long course). Participants will also enjoy a post-race event of food and beverages.

Jen loved the outdoors, including running and kayaking. She had cystic fibrosis, but she did not let the disease define her or what she was able to do in life. In February 2019, Jen and her family relocated to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill to wait for a double lung transplant. She received a set on May 23, but due to cystic fibrosis-related complications, Jen McKenna passed away on June 27, 2019, at the age of 41. PROCEEDS FROM THE EVENT BENEFIT COMPANIONS ANIMAL SHELTER.

Races

  • Paddle and Run - Individual Short Course

    Incl. $4.12 Fee & TBD

    Sat 12th September 2026 (9:00AM PDT)

    $56.12

    OPENS 01 APR 26
  • Paddle and Run - Team Short Course

    Incl. $6.76 Fee & TBD

    Sat 12th September 2026 (9:00AM PDT)

    $102.76

    OPENS 01 APR 26
    Once the paddler completes the course, he or she will tag the runner teammate and the runner heads out on Centennial Trail to complete the rest of the race.
  • Paddle and Run - Individual Long Course

    Incl. $5.08 Fee & TBD

    Sat 12th September 2026 (8:00AM PDT)

    $73.08

    OPENS 01 APR 26
    The long course will consist of a Paddle, Run, Paddle, and Run. Athletes paddle from Higgens to Blue Creek Bay, Run the Blue Creek Trail system, paddle back to Higgens to run Centennial Trail and finish at the Higgens Pt day use park. The total distance will be approximately 11 miles.
  • Paddle and Run - Team Long Course

    Incl. $12.52 Fee & TBD

    Sat 12th September 2026 (8:00AM PDT)

    $204.52

    OPENS 01 APR 26
    The long course team consists of 3 athletes: 2 runners and 1 paddler. One runner is staged at the Blue Creek day use park and runs that system while the other run is at Higgens and runs the Centennial Trail. The remaining team member paddles the entire paddle distance between the two runners. The paddler must wait for Runner 1 to return before heading back to tag Runner 2.

Reviews

Done this event?

First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.

Add a review

Location

Higgens Point, Coeur D Alene, 83814, ID, United States

Who's In

See who else is doing this event

Be the first

No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?

More from findarace.com