The Scamper Success Story

The inaugural Smelter City Scamper launched with great success, drawing a total of 318 runners to Anaconda on a beautiful August morning to raise money for the Smelter City Recreation Complex (SCRC).

Runners who spanned the ages of 2 to 92 turned out to run 5K, 10K, and half-marathon courses that featured clear skies, stunning views, and perfect race weather. The 318 runners were made up of local participants, those who traveled to Anaconda from every corner of Big Sky country, as well as many out-of-staters who traveled from as far away as South Carolina and Pennsylvania. The combination of Anaconda residents and visitors from across the country made for a lively and welcoming event. The energy was palpable on the day of the run, and can be relived here:

Feedback from participants complimented the beautiful course and the community’s welcoming atmosphere. Scamper runners and spectators also expressed enthusiasm over the one-block kids’ sprint. Children from ages 2 to 8 lined up at the corner of Hickory and Fourth streets and sprinted one block through the finishing archway. An admiring crowd of parents, grandparents, and others watched and cheered as kids raced for their gold medals. The children loved the sprint so much, that they eventually lined up a second and a third time in an effort to recreate the race and the fun.

The event’s success was the result of cooperation between organizers, local officials, and business owners. Many participants mentioned that they enjoyed their night’s stay as well as the local restaurants. The SCRC board is grateful for the combined community effort, and for the support of our sponsors who enabled the Scamper to achieve great levels of success in its inaugural year, while spreading awareness for SCRC far and wide.

Our title sponsors included: CCCS, Bartoletti Dental, 5518 Designs, Dream Big Montana and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana. We owe a big thank you to them, and to all of our sponsors who helped make the Scamper a reality: Anaconda Realty, Dee Home Innovations, Kevin Baker Financial Planning, WINES by V, First Montana Bank, Premier Physical Therapy, Anaconda Community Hospital, Glacier Bank, Everett Law, Hammer Nutrition, Ace Hardware, Bobos bars, Mining Company Bar, Tom Moodry Surveying, Stokes Market, Laslovich Orthodontics, Jordan Contracting, Dee Motors, WET and Montana One Real Estate,

SCRC aims to foster health and wellness to the community’s benefit. The Scamper aligns with that mission, bolsters the local economy, and will be enjoyed for years to come. Organizers are already planning the 2022 Scamper as they take a close look at how to improve upon what was a positive and successful beginning.