Race to Robie Creek®

Get Your Kicks on Robie Crick 26! Join us as the 48th Race to Robie Creek® commemorates the 100th anniversary of Route 66 on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at high noon (MT).

For those of you looking for a Race entry or Spectator Bus Pass, there is a specific post on Facebook where people can seek/sell their entry or pass.  There are no more Spectator Bus Passes available online, there will be a very limited number for sale at Packet Pickup on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Basque Center.

2/16/26 -12:10 p.m. Wow! The Race is sold out and the Waitlist is full. We allow for transfers of Race entries…be patient and keep training. 

2/16/26-12:08 p.m. - Race registration took place on Monday, February 16, 2026 at noon (MT). A limited Waitlist is open for those still seeking a Race entry. 

Joining us for the first time this year? Please check out the Frequently Asked Questions & Race Details tabs.

The Race to Robie Creek® is held the third Saturday each April, starting at High Noon. With the help of generous sponsors, hundreds of volunteers, and to the benefit of numerous local charities, we always offer a fun, slightly irreverent, top quality, half-marathon race --- with an amazing post-race party and entertainment. Entries are limited, so we invite all runners, trotters, walkers or crawlers who feel they have it in them to take a shot at participating in a now legendary event. 

The History of The Race to Robie Creek®

Some know it as the long climb to Aldape Summit. Others see it as a “rite of spring” that arrives each year in the Boise foothills. It has been proclaimed “The Toughest Race in the Northwest. But no matter what label you put on it, the annual Race to Robie Creek® is a challenge to all who dare to participate.

It was 6:30 pm on August 16, 1975, that Boisean Jon Robertson and 24 other participants competed in what was called the first “Idaho Summer Road Racing Championships”. The start would be at Fort Boise (elevation 2725’), up Reserve Street and Shaw Mountain Road, and then climbing the long and winding road up through Rocky Canyon and over Aldape Summit (elevation 4797’), to a 13.1 mile finish at Robie Creek campground at Lucky Peak Reservoir (elevation 3065’) — combining a half-marathon distance with a 2072 foot ascent, and a 1732 foot descent. Such was the rather quiet birth of the Rocky Canyon Sail toads and the Race to Robie Creek®.

That inaugural event drew little media attention back in 1975 — the Idaho Statesman reported in two sentences that Don Flaten from Boise won the race covering the course in 1 hour, 20 minutes, and that the women’s winner was Cindy Partridge of Moscow in 2 hours, 2 minutes. It was reported that “Flaten, from Boise, caught open division winner Glen Lorenson at the top of Aldape Summit and cruised the rest of the way to victory.” Mark Tappan of Buhl, Idaho, was the high school division winner; Gus Meyers, of Boise, won the 30-40 division; and, Tom Tappan, of Buhl, Idaho, won the 40-50 division.

It wasn’t until four years later, on April 28, 1979, that the race was re-organized for a second running — this time as the “Race to Robie Creek – the Nautilus-Chase Half Marathon Classic.”

That second race, sponsored by the Nautilus Fitness Center and Chase’s Place Natural Foods Restaurant, produced the first commemorative T-shirt labeling Robie as “The Toughest Race in the Northwest” — a resurrection of the original ordeal that, like the swallows to Capistrano, has now become an annual rite of spring on the third Saturday in April in the Boise area for thousands of runners and walkers alike.

One hundred and seventy-one runners participated in that second race where the men’s winner, John Chase, from Soda Springs, shaved more than two minutes off the original course time to finish in 1 hour, 17 minutes and 52 seconds. The women’s winner, Bishop Kelly junior Ellen Lyons, finished in 1 hour, 26 minutes and 32 seconds — only hours after she had run the second-fastest mile and two-mile in state school history at an invitational meet in Caldwell.

The Idaho Statesman reported that year that while a few of the 171 competitors were concerned with such records, most found it a victory merely to have completed the course. One early competitor reportedly told his friend before the start at Fort Boise Park, “I’ll either see you at home or St. Luke’s.”

Two hundred and fourteen runners ranging in age from 12 to 63 competed in the third Race to Robie Creek® on April 19, 1980. Boisean Steve Jennings took the men’s title in 1 hour, 27 minutes and 30 seconds, and Sonia Blackstock won the women’s division in 1 hour, 44 minutes and 44 seconds on a course that was 1,000 feet longer due to a mis-measurement on the 1979 course. The small triangular awards for the 1980 race made the first mention of primary sponsorship by the “Rocky Canyon Sail toads.”

Future Race Dates?

The Race to Robie Creek® is traditionally held the 3rd Saturday in April starting at high noon (MT).  

When does registration open?

Registration opens on President's Day, Monday, February 16, 2026 at noon (MT). RunSignUp.com handles our registration so create an account early to speed up your sign up process. Don't be late!  We will sell out!! 

What is the registration fee?

The entry fee is $75.00 plus an online transaction fee. 

Is the field limited?

The field is limited. Due to the particular logistics of the event as well as the time and space limitations of the Finish area and shuttle buses, we must limit the number of participants.

What is the “Waitlist” and how does it work?

A limited Waitlist will open when the Race meets our maximum number of participants. The Waitlist is used to fill spots that open after registration has filled when individuals are unable to participate.  Invitations from the Waitlist are sent in the order of the Waitlist – the earlier you sign up for the Waitlist, the sooner you may be invited. Invitations from the Waitlist will be sent by text or email and you will have 3 days to accept your invitation. Questions about the Waitlist can be sent to sailtoadbrian@gmail.com.

There is no cost to be on the Waitlist. You may only sign up once for the Waitlist. Waitlist participants can also look for registered participants who want to transfer their Race entry. For more information, please see Transfers and Race Details tabs.   The wait list is full and closed, no more participants can be added.   

Can I register a friend?

When you register yourself you may register a friend by clicking the Add Another Registrant tab at the bottom of the entry form.  Please have the necessary information before registering additional participants - shirt size, birthday, email, phone, and enter them in their name. You will be signing the waiver for them.      

Are there safety protocols? 

We encourage everyone to follow CDC guidelines.  If you are not feeling well, participants, volunteers, or spectators should not attend or participate in any part of the Race.

Where can I park?

There is no parking at the Race Finish for participants, volunteers, or spectators. We bus our participants, spectators, and volunteers from the Finish area to the parking lots at Spring Shores Marina and Idaho Parks and Recreation/Idaho Shakespeare after the race.  Only the very last bus out of the Finish area (around 6 p.m.) returns to the Race Start. 

On the morning of the Race or the evening before (after 6:00 p.m.), you can park a vehicle at either Spring Shores Marina (74 Arrowrock Road, Boise, ID), which is off of Highway 21, across from the high bridge past Lucky Peak, or Idaho Parks and Recreation (5657 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, ID - aka Shakespeare parking lot). We do not provide transportation from either parking lot to the Race Start.  Best to hitch a ride to the Start with anyone going that way, lots of people will be dropping of a car. You also can park at the start and make a friend in the bus line and hitch a ride back to the Start.  For more information, please see Transportation tab.

Spectators to the finish area?   

Anyone wishing to go to the Finish Area must have a valid Spectator Bus Pass in order to board a shuttle bus from either Spring Shores Marina or Idaho Parks and Recreation and partake at the Post Race Party. Race participants, volunteers, and children under the age of 3 do NOT need a Spectator Bus Pass. A limited number of Spectator Bus Passes can be purchased online at the time of registration and are limited to 1 per participant. Additional Spectator Bus Passes can be purchased at Packet Pickup, and if available, at the Race Start, on race morning, beginning at 9:45 a.m. 

Where is the Race Start?

The Race starts at the back of Fort Boise Park (600 Garrison Rd., Boise, ID 83702), near Reserve Street and Scout Lane, you can’t miss it. 

Will the Race run on Fort Street or through the VA?

For 2026, the course will go through the VA.  Participants will leave Fort Boise Park, turn right onto Collins Road heading to the VA, turn right on N. Collins Road/South VA Loop, turn right through the access road past the Idaho State Veterans Home, turn right on Mountain Cove Road, and turn left onto Reserve Road. The remainder of the course heading up Shaw Mtn. Road to Rocky Canyon is the same.

Can I bring a bag to the finish? 

We have what we call the "Toad Mobile" that brings bags to the Finish.  Place your bag in the "Toad Mobile" at the Start and it will be delivered to the Finish area. Please NO GLASS or valuables in your bag. Please put your name on or inside your bag. We don't use a tag system. The bags will be sorted by color on the ground at Finish area. There are a lot of black bags, so make sure you pick up the correct one or consider a different color. The Race to Robie Creek® and Rocky Canyon Sail Toads, Ink. are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or broken items in your bag. 

How long is this race? 

The Race to Robie Creek® is a half marathon, 13.1 miles, with 8.5 miles of steady to steep climbing followed by 4.6 miles of downhill. This is not a walk in the park, but you can walk the steep and not be alone.

Are there runners and walkers?

There are both runners and walkers. All participants must be able to finish the course within 5 hours. We will stop timing the event at 5:00 p.m. The race director and medical/safety personnel have the authority to remove any participant from the course for medical reasons or who will not be able to complete the course in 5 hours.  Please do not enter if you can not complete the course in 5 hours. 

What if I have a duplicate entry?

If you ended up with 2 or more Race entries, the extra ones will be deleted. It does not matter how you got more than one, we will delete any duplicate entries. The number will not be available for you to sell or transfer to someone else. Please make sure you only enter once.   

What if I missed the registration day?   

We allow for transfers of Race Numbers. Each year approximately 200 Race entries are sold, traded, or given away at Packet Pickup. Be on the lookout for Race entries, they will be available.  The transfer process is online and is fairly simple. For more information, please see Transfers tab.  Keep training, there are usually Race entries available.

Are there shirts?

There are finisher shirts given out at the Race Finish. You will get the size you signed up for or the size that the person whose number you transferred signed up for. We want to ensure the last walker to Finish gets the medium that they signed up for.  There is a shirt trading area at the Finish for people to exchange sizes if needed. The shirts are unisex sizes. 

Can I buy or transfer someone's Race Number?

Yes! The Seller will begin transfer process though RunSignUp.com and the Race entry will transfer to the new participant. All transfers must be completed by the end of Packet Pickup on April 15, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please see Transfer tab.

For transfers completed after March 15, the new participant will be given a new Race Number. All local participants who have completed the online transfer process must go to the Transfer Table at Packet Pickup to get their new Race Number. Out of town participants with a transferred Race entry can pick up a Race Number on the morning of the Race. No Transfers on Race Day!   

Can I pick up a friend’s Race Number at Packet Pickup?

You can pick up a friend's Race Number so long as you have a copy of their Race Number confirmation email.

Are there aid stations? 

Yes, water and fruit will be provided at Aid Stations. Gatorade will be served at the Finish and may be provided at some Aid Stations.  If it's a hot day, you may want to think about bringing a drink of your choice.  Medical assistance will be near Aid Stations. If you are need assistance or need to withdraw from the Race, please go to the nearest Aid Station.

Are there awards?

Awards are given to the top 3 male and female finishers and to the 1st place male and female masters finishers - over age 40.  Age group awards will be in 5 year age increments, beginning with ages 14 to 19, 20 to 24, etc. - up to age 80 and above.  The Sail Toads suggest children under the age of 14 do not run this race, however, we don't limit their entry and will not give awards to finishers under the age of 14.  All awards will be based on GUN Time, please appropriately seed yourself at the Start.   

Can I wear headphones? 

You may wear them if you must.  But be warned, the road is open and will have traffic, please be cautious.  Better yet, leave your earbuds at home and make a new friend along the course!  You may meet your new running partner.

How do I get bused out of the finish?

All participants, spectators, and volunteers will take a bus from the Finish to the Springs Shores Marina... you cannot miss the bus line at the Finish. We then run another group of buses that loops down to the Idaho Parks and Recreation (aka Shakespeare) parking lot on Warm Springs.  

Does the race contribute to charities?

The Rocky Canyon Sail Toads put this Race on because we love it.  We try to put on the best Race possible for all involved. Our goal is not charity first, it is the Race, which we try to make the best. But the Race has been successful, so we donate all the money we have left over.  We have been able to donate over $1.3 million dollars in our history.  Thank you all for making it happen.  All the Rocky Canyon Sail Toads are volunteers. No one is paid. 

What if I have a complaint?

Please send us an email (see contact us on this website), a message through Facebook or Instagram, or by mail to Race to Robie Creek®, P.O. Box 205, Boise, Idaho 83701. Sorry we don't have a phone.    

Are there port-a-potties?

There are port-a-potties and sanitation stations at the Start, Finish, and many along the course. More than you would expect! Look for the Standing Room Only Unit for the men at the start, it will speed up all the lines.      

You are responsible for obtaining your own lodging.  Try your favorite booking site.  

For more information on about Boise Attractions:

Boise Visitors Center:  http://www.boise.org/

Boise Chamber of Commerce:  http://www.boisechamber.org/

RACE START:  Saturday, April 18, 2026 at HIGH NOON (MT), Fort Boise Park on Scout Lane, Boise.

REGISTRATION:  Online registration begins on Monday, February 16, 2026 at noon (MT). The entry fee is $75.00 plus an online transaction fee.  

HEALTH AND SAFETY:  We encourage everyone to follow the applicable CDC Guidelines. If you are not feeling well, you should not attend or participate in any part of the Race. 

WAIT LIST: A limited Waitlist will open when the Race meets our maximum number of participants. Invitations to register will be sent by email or text if a Race entry becomes available. You will have 3 days from the date of the invitation to register. Available Race entries will be assigned in the order of the Waitlist. There is no cost to join the Waitlist. You may only sign up once for the Waitlist. Waitlist participants can also look for registered participants who want to transfer their Race entries. Questions about the Waitlist can be sent to sailtoadbrian@gmail.com.  The wait list is closed, no more participants can be added.   

RACE NUMBER TRANSFERS:  If you are unable to participate in the Race, you may transfer your Race entry to another person. All transfers must be completed by the end of Packet Pickup on April 15, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.  No Race Day Transfers! For more information, please see Transfer tab.    

PACKET PICKUP:  You can pick up your Race Number at Packet Pickup at The Basque Center, 601 W. Grove St., (entrance on 6th Street) on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. or at the race start on Saturday, April 18, 2026 beginning at 9:45 a.m. You can pick up a friend's Race Number so long as you have a copy of their Race Number email confirmation.

TIMING:  The Race will be electronically timed, but official results (i.e. awards) will be based on GUN time. Your timing device is attached to your Race Number. Please wear your Race Number on the front outermost of your clothing to ensure accurate timing. Do not bend, crumple, fold, mutilate, or modify your Race Number.

CUT OFF:  We will stop timing the Race at 5:00 p.m. Anyone under the age of 14 or who is not capable of finishing in less than 5 hours is strongly discouraged from running this Race. This is not your typical half marathon. Race officials may pull you from the course at any time for medical, safety, or any other reason.  Please do not enter if you cannot complete this course in 5 hours.  

COURSE:  The 13.1 mile course begins at Fort Boise Park near the softball fields. From the Start, participants will turn right onto Collins Road heading to the VA, turn right on N. Collins Road/South VA Loop, turn right through the access road past the Idaho State Veteran’s Home, turn right on Mountain Cove Road, and turn left onto Reserve Road. Then up Shaw Mountain Road where the road turns to dirt at around 3.5 miles and continues to climb going up Rocky Canyon Road until you reach Aldape Summit. The course turns steeply downhill for the first 2 miles of the descent into Robie Creek drainage and continues to wind downhill and the last mile is paved to the Finish at Robie Creek Park.

AGE LIMIT:  Anyone under the age of 14 is discouraged from entering this Race. There are no awards for participants under the age of 14.

AID STATIONS:  There are 8 Aid Stations supplying water and fruit. Depending on the weather, Gatorade may be served at the start, mile 7 and 10.5.  The “Table of Temptation” is located at approximately mile 8 to “motivate” you to the top of the summit. There will be port-a-potties at the start, on the course, and at the Finish.  Medical assistance will be near the Aid Stations.    

ALCOHOL: The consumption or possession of alcohol or any controlled substance during the Race or on the Race course is prohibited. The Race to Robie Creek® and the Rocky Canyon Sail Toads, Ink. do not condone and expressly prohibit anyone from possessing, consuming, and/or distributing any alcohol or controlled substance at the Start or on the Race course. Individuals found in possession of alcohol or any controlled substance will be asked to leave the Race and may be subject to arrest. Alcohol will be available to those who are over 21 years of age at the Finish and is the only alcohol allowed. Participants should only take fluids and refreshments from the official Race Aid Stations and volunteers located on the course. All individuals are subject to and must abide by the laws of the applicable locality in which they are present. The Race to Robie Creek® reserves the right to disqualify any participant who violates this policy, poses a risk to themselves or others, fails or refuses to follow instructions given by an event official (including event staff, volunteers, medical personnel, fire and police officials, security officers, and any other official), and/or conducts themselves in an unprofessional/discourteous manner.    

MEDICAL:  There will be medical support on the Race course graciously provided by Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue, East Boise County Ambulance District, and Ada County Paramedics. If you need assistance or are unable to finish the Race, please go to the nearest Aid Station.

FINISHERS:  All Race finishers will receive a shirt and keepsake upon reaching the Finish Line. There will be food and drinks provided.

AWARDS:  Awards will be given for the overall top 3 female and male finishers. Age group awards are presented to the top 3 female and male finishers in each age group beginning with ages 14-19 and progressing in 5 year increments thereafter until the ages of 80-99. We also give a Masters Award to the top female and male finisher over the age of 40. All awards are given based on GUN time.

EXTRA CLOTHING:  You can send extra clothing to the Finish in the “Toad Mobile” (truck) which will be parked at the Start area. Please put your extra clothing in a bag marked with your name and contact info and drop it off at the start in the Toad Mobile. There are no changing tents at the Finish. Please NO GLASS or valuables in your bag. The Race to Robie Creek® and Rocky Canyon Sail Toads, Ink. are not responsible for any items placed in the Toad Mobile or left anywhere on course or at any aid station.

POST RACE PARTY:  There will be music, food, and beverages, including alcoholic beverages for those over 21 at the Post Race Party. We are unable to accommodate all food allergies or special dietary needs.  A limited number of Spectator Bus Passes will be sold at registration if you want to bring a guest to the Post Race Party.  

If you wish to drink alcohol at the Post Race Party, you must obtain a wrist band at the Finish area. Race participants who are over 21 years old may use their own race number with their own correct age as proof of age to obtain a wrist band. All guests with a Spectator Bus Pass and volunteers must prove their age with a valid photo ID in order to obtain a wrist band.  Only 2 alcoholic beverages at a time will be served to each person. Please drink responsibly and have a designated driver. 

At the Finish area there is:

NO PARKING, NO CELL SERVICE, NO DOGS, NO BIKES, AND NO WHINING.

PARKING:  There is NO PARKING AT THE FINISH. We provide shuttle buses for participants and spectators with a Spectator Bus Pass to get in and out of the Finish area to one of our two parking areas. You can park your cars at either Spring Shores Marina or the Idaho Parks and Recreation Lot on Warm Springs Avenue (by Shakespeare).  Spectators must take a shuttle bus from either location to get to the Finish.  We do not provide transportation from the parking areas to the Start of the Race. Please carpool to the parking areas!  For more information, please see Transportation tab.
 

SPECTATORS:  Anyone wishing to go to the Finish Area must have a valid Spectator Bus Pass in order to board a shuttle bus from either Spring Shores Marina or Idaho Parks and Recreation and partake at the Post Race Party. Race participants, volunteers, and children under the age of 3 do NOT need a Spectator Bus Pass. A limited number of Spectator Bus Passes can be purchased online at the time of registration and are limited to 1 per participant.  Additional Spectator Bus Passes can be purchased at Packet Pickup, and if available at the Race Start, race morning, beginning at 9:45 a.m. Spectator Bus Passes are $25.00 and can be purchased when you register.  These passes are always in short supply, and will sell out most likely.   

SHUTTLE BUSES:  Shuttle buses run ONLY between the Finish and the parking areas at Spring Shores Marina and Idaho Parks and Recreation. For more information, please see Transportation tab. 

CHARITIES:  All of the proceeds from the Race to Robie Creek® are donated to our designated charities. In its over forty year history, the Race to Robie Creek® has donated over $1,300,000 to charities! A full list of the charitable donations can be viewed on our website.

SPONSORS and Friends:  The Race to Robie Creek® thanks our major Sponsors and Friends, without whom we could not host this event:  Bandanna Running and Walking, The Basque Center, Boise Brewing, Crystal Geyser, Gatorade, Hayden Beverage Company, Honey Stinger, K- Edge, KPMG, Life’s Kitchen, Mac & Jacks, Meadow Gold, Morrison Knudsen Foundation, New Belgium Brewing, Outlaw Brewing, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, Pepsi Co. Rizen Creative, Shu’s Idaho Running Company, Simplot Food Group, Sockeye Brewing, Saint Agony Brewing, Tates Rents, Treasure Valley Litho, and WinCo Foods!

Historic Male - 1984 - Phil Stephenson - 1:13:06
Historic Female - 1998 - Cori Mooney - 1:23:52

Since 1999: chip timing introduction

Overall Male- 2013 - Markus Geiger - 1:14:17

Overall Female -2019  - Megan Lacy - 1:25:17

Masters Male - 2003 - Mike Carlson - 1:20:35

Masters Female - 2016 - Jane Hewett - 1:38:00

The Rocky Canyon Sail Toads Ink. Co. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are grateful to have the dedicated support of our board of directors and numerous local sponsors who help us make it possible to put on the Race to Robie Creek® each year. Because of the support of sponsors, we are proudly able to put on this event for the community and donate our proceeds to many local charities. Throughout our history we have donated over $1.3 million dollars. In 2025, we were able to donate over $78,500 to the following groups:

• ALZHEIMERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER IDAHO
• BASQUE CHARITIES
• BISHOP KELLY TRACK AND FIELD
• BOGUS BASIN NSP MOUNTAIN HOSTS
• BOISE ADAPTIVE SNOWSPORT EDUCATION
• BOISE BICYCLE PROJECT
• BOISE COUNTY COMMUNITY JUSTICE
• BOISE ROCK SCHOOL
• BOISE UNITARIAN UNIVERSAL FELLOWSHIP
• BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ADA COUNTY
• CHILDRENS HOME SOCIETY OF ID          
• CITY LIGHT HOME
• COLLEGE OF IDAHO CHEER TEAM
• EVE DEVITT FUND
• EXPEDITION INSPIRATION
• FRANK CHURCH HIGH SCHOOL/HELPING HIGH
• FRIENDS OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES
• GARZA HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
• GENESIS COMMUNITY HEALTH
• GIRAFFE LAUGH
• GIRLS ON THE RUN
• HANNABOW EDUCATION FUND
• HUMANE SOCIETY PET FOOD
• IDAHO FOOD BANK
• IDAHO MOUNTAIN SEARCH & RESCUE
• IDAHO ORGANIZATION OF RESOURCE COUNCILS
• IDAHO STATE VETERAN'S HOME
• IDAHO WALK BIKE ALLIANCE
• INTERFAITH SANCTUARY
• INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE
• JESSE TREE
• LAND TRUST OF TREASURE VALLEY
• LEARNING LAB
• LIFE
• LIFE OUTDOORS
• LIFE'S KITCHEN
• LOVE INC. of the BOISE COMMUNITY
• LOVE INC. of the JUNEAU COMMUNITY
• MEALS ON WHEELS
• NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS
• NATIVE AMERICAN COALITION BOISE
• NORTHWEST ASSOCIATION FOR BLIND ATHLETES
• PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK
• PLANNED PARENTHOOD
• PODER OF IDAHO
• RIDGE TO RIVERS
• ROBIE CREEK FIRE DEPT
• SHIP
• SILVER SAGE GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL
• SOUTHERN IDAHO SAILING OUTREACH
• SPECIAL OLYMPICS
• ST. JUDE's
• ST.  VINCENT DE PAUL
• ST. JOHN'S FOOD BANK
• ST. MARY'S FOOD BANK
• TERRY REILLY HEALTH SERVICES
• TRICA
• UI GAR HACKNEY FUND
• VALLEY WIDE REACT
• VSA/IDAHO PARENTS UNLIMITED
• WALTESE FALCON FUND
• WASSMUTH CENTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
• WISH GRANTERS
• WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S ALLIANCE
• WOOD RIVER TRUST
• YMCA

The Race to Robie Creek® does not endorse any training program. There are many training plans and programs available to you. The following training information is just an example of some ideas to help you in your training. The Race to Robie Creek®, The Rocky Canyon Sail Toads, Ink., nor any of its members accept any responsibility for any damages, injuries, or death caused by any information contained within or anyone’s use of that information. All information is provided in good faith. You should consult your doctor before starting any program of physical activity and each participant should use their own best judgment when participating in physical activity and/or any training program. By using this information you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold both The Race to Robie Creek® and The Rocky Canyon Sail Toads, Ink. harmless from and against any claims, actions, demands or other proceedings brought against us by yourself, your heirs, and/or a third party.

The Legend of the Sail Toad

as told by Robie founder Jon Robertson - Thrive magazine by Dan Kouba, April 15, 2003 issue

"Although Boise City was only a few decades old, old-timers already knew there was something strange about Rocky Canyon. Frightening night-time noises echoed along the steep and rugged rock walls. No one offered an explanation, but locals did admit to seeing fewer small creatures living in the canyon than in other sections of Shaw Mountain Road. Coincidentally, road kill was disappearing at a quick and methodical rate. Who and what was behind it all?

Race to Robie Creek® founder Jon Robertson's father grew up in East Boise in the 1920's and '30's and used to explore Rocky Canyon. He was is search of a legendary buried strong box along with the quest of gold in the creek. Though he didn't strike it rich in the form of nuggets, his find was just as exciting and mind numbing. Within the deep and dark caves of the canyon, the elder Robertson came across a species of rare giant toads. So mysterious were the toads that local zoology professors claimed they knew nothing of the monsters. But local geezers knew the professors were simply appalled at the malformed physical appearance and unspeakable odors these five-pound toads emitted. Who can blame them for being silent?

These huge black toads are carnivorous, and while they don't crawl like most "normal" toads, they gallop, drooling copiously and leaving their foul pong as they close in on unsuspecting prey. Walkers and slow-moving runners are at risk as well as aid station workers. Unsubstantiated rumor has it that over the years some folks have fallen victim, never to be seen at the finish line or race party.

Occasionally one of these toads becomes road kill. If the other toads don't cannibalize the remains, some of these toads get flattened by vehicles and turned into something that looks like a discus. Dried, cured and worked with a rolling pin, the toad discs can be sailed like a Frisbee. Hence, the term "Rocky Canyon Sail Toad."

Robie organizers traditionally have conducted low-key educational efforts among runners and walkers prior to race day. In addition, prospective volunteers wanting to join the race committee are required to sail one of these deceased creatures at least 30 yards."

 The Race to Robie Creek® is organized by the Rocky Canyon Sail Toads Ink. Co.

We understand that stuff happens and you may not be able to participate in the Race to Robie Creek® after you register. If you are unable to participate, you may transfer your Race entry to another person.

All transfers are handled online through RunSignUp.com. The new participant will pay the $75.00 entry fee, a $10.00 transfer fee, and an online transaction fee to have the Race entry transferred.  

Please do not sell or give your Race entry to another person without completing the official transfer process!

Finding a Recipient:

It is the responsibility of the registered participant to find a recipient and arrange the transfer. You can find people wishing to transfer Race entries on the Race to Robie Creek® Facebook page. If you are unable to find a person to transfer your Race entry to, please email sailtoadbrian@gmail.com.

How to Transfer:

1. Once you find a recipient, go to your RunSignUp profile and select “Manage Registration", “Transfer to Someone Else”, enter the new participant's name and email, and click "Transfer for Refund" (see .pdf below for more detailed instructions).

2. Once the new participant registers, the original registered participant will be reimbursed their original purchase price minus the online transaction fee from RunSignUp within a few days.

Deadlines:

• By March 15: For transfers completed by March 15, the new participant will receive a Race Number printed with their name and can select their shirt size.

• After March 15: For transfers completed after March 15, the new participant will be given a new Race Number without a custom name and will get the shirt size of the original participant.

• At Packet Pickup, April 15, 2026: All local participants who have completed the online transfer process must go to the Transfer Table at Packet Pickup on April 15th to get their new Race Number. Out of town participants with a transferred Race entry can pick up a Race Number on the morning of the Race.

• Final Day to Transfer: All transfers must be completed by the end of Packet Pickup on April 15, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. There are NO TRANSFERS after Packet Pickup.

Important Reminders:

• Transfers can occur at Packet Pickup, but must be processed online at the Transfer Table.

• NO Race Day transfers.

• If you purchase a Race entry from someone else, a Race Number MUST be transferred to the new participant’s name to ensure the accuracy of the Race results.

• Do not purchase a Race entry for cash - all transfers must go through RunSignUp, either through the website or by our team at Packet Pickup.

PARKING YOUR CAR BEFORE THE RACE:

This is a point to point race. There is NO vehicle access or parking at the Finish on the day of the Race. All participants, spectators with a Spectator Bus Pass, and volunteers must park their cars at one of two off-site parking areas and use the shuttle buses to get to and from the parking areas and the Race Finish area.

The two parking areas are:

   1. Idaho Parks & Recreation, 5657 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, ID (near the Idaho Shakespeare Theater);

or 

   2. Spring Shores Marina, 74 Arrowrock Road, Boise ID (located off Hwy 21, past Lucky Peak near the high bridge). 

Shuttle buses only transport people to and from the Finish area and one of these two parking areas. THERE IS NO SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE GOING TO OR COMING FROM THESE PARKING AREAS TO THE START OF THE RACE. If you are a participant, volunteer, or spectator who wants to be at the Race Start, you must arrange your own logistics for dropping off your vehicle at one of these two parking areas and getting back to the Start on your own.  

Parking in these two parking lots is allowed beginning after 6:00 p.m. on the Friday before the Race. Cars may be left overnight. The parking at both lots is limited, please carpool. 

There is no cell service at Spring Shores Marina or the Finish area. Please plan accordingly. 

SHUTTLE BUSES:

Spectators with a Spectator Bus Pass and Volunteers GOING TO the Finish area:

To get into the Race Finish, park your car at one of the parking areas identified above and ride a shuttle bus to the Finish area. 

• Buses depart from Idaho Parks & Recreation approximately every 30 minutes from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Buses depart from Spring Shores Marina from 12:00 p.m. (noon) to  2:00 p.m.

There is no shuttle bus transportation for Spectators or Volunteers GOING TO the Finish area after 2:00 p.m.

All Spectators, Volunteers, and Participants LEAVING the Finish area:

All shuttle buses leaving the Finish area go first to Spring Shores Marina. If you parked at Idaho Parks & Recreation, you will transfer to a different bus at Spring Shores Marina and be taken to the Idaho Parks & Recreation parking lot. 

ONLY the LAST bus of the day will go all of the way back to the Start at Fort Boise sometime around 6:00 pm. If you need to return to Fort Boise sooner than 6:00 or 7:00 pm, make other arrangements.

SHUTTLE BUS RULES:

1.    Bus and Race officials have final say and may modify this information at their discretion.

2.    Spectators must have their Spectator Bus Pass to get on the bus and should be prepared to wait in line.

3.    No alcohol, bikes, dogs, strollers, chairs or whiners allowed on the bus.

4.    Be responsible and use a designated driver or make other transportation arrangements from one our parking lots if you plan on drinking alcohol at the Post Race Party.

5.    Volunteers wearing their volunteer shirt are allowed to go to the front of the bus line.

6.    Any questions or complaints, see Rule #1.

Socks are available for purchase during Race registration (2/16/26) for $16. The socks can be picked up at Packet Pickup on Wednesday, April 15. 2026 or at the Race Start on Saturday, April 18, 2026. We will not mail socks.

A limited number of socks will be available for purchase at Packet Pickup.

Sawtooth Photo Pros took photos at the start, finish, and on the course!

2025 Photos: Race to Robie Creek® 2025 Photos

For prior years' photos, see Past Race photos tab.

The Rocky Canyon Sail Toads, Ink. hold federal and state registered trademarks for the words "Race to Robie Creek®" and the Slash (Robie Creek Mountain Symbol).

Please do not use either of these trademarks without the express written consent of the Rocky Canyon Sailtoads, Ink.

Join in the fun and show your support as a volunteer for the 2026 Race to Robie Creek®!