• This year’s race benefits children of Cassie Clinger

On its 15th year, the annual Star Valley Half Marathon, in memory of Jeremy Kunz, is scheduled for July 11. Early registration rates for the Half Marathon are currently $60, but only until June 1. An optional 5K race registration is also open for $35. This year, the race proceeds will be put into a scholarship fund for Cassie Clinger’s three young children.

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Race director, Lynette Johnson ran in the inaugural Star Valley Half Marathon, and has done so almost every year since. The event has transformed into a long-standing community tradition with focus on charity with

continued purpose of helping those who need it. “I remember walking in to pick up my packet from Kunz family. I didn’t know them, but I just felt ‘wow, there’s something special about this family and this race.’” As she continued to race and then become more involved, Johnson said, “I have grown to love this family and this race.”

After more than a decade of leading and growing the race, The Kunz family have stepped back from day-to-day operations, with Star Valley Health taking over as primary organizer. Even with the transition in leadership, the Kunz family remains closely involved in meaningful race-day traditions, including helping with the start of the race and presenting awards and medals, maintaining their continued presence and connection to the event’s legacy.

Johnson shared her experience racing and the beauty around as runners experience Star Valley in this unique way saying, “It’s a great course. I love it because it’s a gentle downhill the whole way.”

She also said it’s easy to enjoy the marathon. “You can go at your own pace. I am not a fast runner, but I still show up and do it. And I feel good about that.” She especially loves the end of the race and celebrating with the community with traditional chocolate milk at the finish line.

Each year, the race raises funds for a good cause or people in the community. This year, funds raised will be put into a scholarship account for the three children of Cassie Clinger, who’s life was taken in January of this year. Clinger was a valued member of the community who dedicated her life to bring awareness to mental health and domestic violence. The support of the future of Cassie’s children continues the race’s long-standing tradition of giving back to families within Star Valley.

Support isn’t just shown by running in the marathon. People are encouraged to line the route to cheer on those racing, volunteer, or to donate to the scholarship fund.

Whether running, walking, volunteering, or cheering from the roadside, participants in the Star Valley Half Marathon are part of something larger than a single race. It is a tradition rooted in remembrance, strengthened by community involvement, and carried forward each year by those who continue to show up to have fun and support a great cause year after year.

To register, donate, or get volunteer information, go online to StarValleyHalfMarathon.com.