Star Valley’s long-standing traditional Half Marathon is taking place Saturday, July 12. The Half Marathon is offered in memory of Jeremy Kunz, a Star Valley native, who was killed in 2009 while running an event in Las Vegas. His family hosts the event each year, raising funds from registrations, to benefit individuals and families in the region who need support under difficult circumstances.

According to Denice Kunz, who is Jeremy’s mother and an organizer of the race, the race is happening this year on Jeremy’s birthday, which makes it an extra special day for the family, and this is the final year that the Kunz family will organize and host the event. The 2026 race will be offered under the direction of Star Valley Health, which will uphold the traditional format and purpose of the race, raising funds to help individuals and organizations in need. “Star Valley Health has always been a strong supporter of our event.”

Participants are instructed to meet at Thayne Elementary School between 6 and 6:15 on Saturday morning, where buses will transport them from the school to the race starting line.  The race route begins in Turnerville at the top of the Heiner Airstrip and then proceeds onto the Bedford Turnerville Road, heading south toward Grover Park. At the cattle guard entrance to the park, athletes will turn around and proceed North, following the route that transitions to County Road 126 and then County Road 122, into Thayne and finishing at Thayne Elementary School.

“It’s such a beautiful course,” Kunz said. “It’s a gentle downhill slope, and people along the way are so supportive. The sun comes up just behind the airstrip, and it’s just so beautiful. It’s a wonderful place to just enjoy the beauty of this valley and the spirit of an event like this.  People are so supportive of each other and there is a wonderful comradery among the running and walking communities.”

With runners and walkers coming from all over the country, online registrations have exceeded 300. Kunz is certain that spectators will have a thoroughly enjoyable experience from any location along the course, but especially at the finish line. “It’s so fun to cheer them in and see how hard they have worked when they cross that line.”

In conjunction with the half marathon, Star Valley Health is offering a 5K run for the second year. The route for the 5K is the same as the half marathon route, beginning 3.1 miles from the finish line, which is at 2904 County Road 122 in Thayne. Buses will also transport all 5K runners to their start line, and that race will begin at 7:30 a.m. The races share the same finish line. Folks can run or walk in either race, finishing moving at their own pace. The course will not close until all runners have completed their race.

Packet pickup for the races is Friday evening, July 11, from 6-8 p.m. at Thayne Elementary. All race participants can pick up their swag bag, race shirts and information that evening. Participants unable to pick up their materials on Friday evening can arrive as early as 5:15 on Saturday morning at the elementary to collect their gear.

Registration is available at starvalleyhalfmarathon.com. Folks can register in advance online, or they can register as late as Saturday morning at the packet pickup table. If you are registering onsite, please go to the website and print your registration document and bring it with you. Participation fees are $80 for the half marathon or $45 for the 5K. Payments can be taken by cash, check or card.

Families can also plan on a Children’s Fun Run that begins at 7:30 at the elementary school.

“We are so grateful for everyone who has supported us throughout the years,” Kunz concluded in a voice thick with emotion and tenderness.  “It means a lot to our family – the support we have had. How we love living here because of the goodness of the people!  We live in a little piece of Heaven.”