Potomac hole in wall race returns for year two

More than 70 runners from across Montana convened at the Potomac Greenough Community Center on Oct. 7 to raise money for the community by running into the misty morning and competing in the "Hole in the Wall Hustle" for its second year.

The race featured a 13K, 5K and debuted a mile-long run to help raise money for the community center while getting locals and visitors out on the scenic roads of Potomac.

"If nothing disastrous happens this year, I am sure it will be fantastic," said Katie O'Reilly, one of the race organizers.

The race was first thought up by a mom in the community, O'Reilly said. Then, four women planned the race together in 2022. After a successful run last fall, everyone wanted to do it again.

In the 13K, Bethany Shepard took first place, followed by Diana Podlecki and Rochelle Stock. In the men's 13K, Bryce Barker took first, followed by Chad Clancy and Sidney Boggs.

In the 5K, Erica Olson won the women's division, followed by Erin Keenan and Sara Donoghue. In the men's 5K, Eric Shropshire won first, followed by Jason Hurd and Randy Henault. The 5K also featured a children's division, which Lauren Neudecker won, followed by Abby Courtney and Cooper Hathaway.

Sponsors included Stockman Bank, The Good Food Store, Hathaway Family Ranch, Larry's Plumbing, Missoula Electric Cooperative, Clearwater Credit Union, and Blackfoot Communications.

The race also brought in $3,000 for the Potomac Greenough Community Center.