ONWARD SHAY BOISE MARATHON INC

In early 2014, running lost a dear friend to her 11-year battle with cancer. Shay Hirsch was born June 8, 1947; and raised in the city of Boise, ID. A grandmother, mother and loving wife, Shay brought joy into the hearts of everyone she met. The strength to overcome great struggles learned during her time as a marathon runner, helped Shay face her diagnosis and ensuing battled with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer with dignity. Throughout her battle, Shay wrote to her friends of the struggles she faced, never for pity and always with a seemingly impossible amount of courage. Every uplifting email she wrote to friends following her progression ended with, “Onward! Love, Shay " thus, the name of our race. Because Shay loved the Wizard of Oz and what the story represented, we will incorporate the inspirational themes of courage, heart, bravery and endurance, much like what is needed to complete a marathon.Onward Shay! Boise Marathon's mission is to not only honor Shay Hirsch and keep her legacy alive through a fun, inspirational and cause-driven marathon, but also to showcase Shay's beloved home town city of Boise . Our goal is to create a race that portrays the creative and inspirational attitude that Shay Hirsch shared with everyone throughout her life, even during her years of battling with cancer. In keeping with Shay's kind and generous spirit, Onward Shay! Boise Marathon (OSBM) will donate all proceeds to the WCA (where she was a director in the 1980s) as well as several other charities. OSBM is a non-profit, 501c3 organization.This Boston qualifying world-class marathon/half marathon event for 5,000 runners will be located in the heart of Boise. The race will start at the new Payette Brewing location, near the Pioneer path on River Street and meander through north end neighborhoods before it spills onto the Boise greenbelt and runs between Park Center and Willow Lane Sports Complex. Learn more about the race, relay teams, free & custom training, and the kid's race by viewing the event details. The weather in Boise in late October is ideal for running – cool, sunny and dry, with an average temperature of 58 degrees on October 29. The route will be flat and fast. View a map of the course here.