Queer Run Missoula creates community through running.

MISSOULA — The Missoula Running Club began earlier this year with a mission to create a safe place for gay runners to build community while training.

MTN caught up with organizer Alec Cottrell to find out how this found family took on the cause. “Sometimes being gay isn’t always easy and we find it difficult, whether it’s with family or with friends,” he shared.

For ultramarathoner Cottrell, moving to Missoula three years ago sparked an idea. “We didn’t really have a platform where weird runners, whether they were trail runners or road runners, came together and hung out and ran and got to know each other and just had some kind of community,” he recalled.

So he partnered with Run Wild Missoula in an effort to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ runners.

“There is a five-mile loop and a three-mile loop,” Cottrell said, describing the running distance around the city. He noted that everyone can take part, regardless of age and speed.

Queer Run Missoula meets on the second Tuesday of every month to strengthen the community and build endurance for running.

“I didn’t have a super large queer community in Missoula, and that played a big part in that. It was like these (runners) became my friends,” said participant Grace Stavich.

“I thought it was really wonderful.” – Grace Stavich on her time with Queer Run Missoula

Stavich explained that she returns to the group every month for the inclusive environment, not for the running. “I’m here mostly for the social aspect and much less for the running, and really everyone can have fun here,” she said.

After a workout, Run Wild offers a free drink to freshen up and give people a chance to slow down and chat. “It’s really nice, like it’s nice to not have to be a topic of conversation (being gay) and just be an open space for all of us,” Stavich noted.

Additionally, the group spends its time volunteering at other Run Wild Missoula events around Missoula. “Many people have volunteered to work at the Missoula Marathon aid station,” Cottrell said. He continued: “We’re not just part of this group, we’re part of the community. We, as a queer community, can be representatives of the queer community.”

The next launch will take place at Bayern Brewing at 18:00 on November 12, 2024.