This COVID hiatus is over: St. Luke’s FitOne in Boise finally returns to in-person event

It’s taken some events longer than others to bounce back from the damaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many in-person activities converted to a virtual format, and some were axed altogether back in 2020. The following year showed promise as some favorites returned — Fourth of July fireworks, Western Idaho Fair, Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic — jazzing up social calendars.

But not everything came back. To be extra cautious and keep the health of the community in the forefront, St. Luke’s FitOne remained on a virtual platform for the second year in a row in 2021.

This year, it’s time to channel Eminem.

“Guess who’s back, back again, FitOne’s back, tell a friend ...”

Yes, the annual fitness celebration is back, in all of its in-person glory!

Everyone from the elite athlete to families are encouraged to challenge themselves Saturday at the St. Luke’s FitOne race. There are three courses from which to choose, with the 5k beginning at 9 a.m., 10k at 7:30 a.m. and the half-marathon at 7:15 a.m. All routes start from the intersection of Capitol Boulevard and Bannock Street in Downtown Boise and finish in Ann Morrison Park.

There will not be a Healthy Living Expo this year to coordinate with the races, but there will be a Finish Festival in Ann Morrison with sponsor booths, snacks and swag.

And the weather is looking pretty good. Saturday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and a high temperate of 78, although the morning will be way cooler for the runners, in the high 50s and low 60s to start the day.

Registration fees are $45 for 5k, $55 for 10k and $65 for the half-marathon. Children 12 and younger are free with a paid adult. Deadline to register online is noon on Friday, Sept. 23. Or register in person at the packet pickup from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, Sept. 21-23, at the Ann Morrison Park fountain, 1000 S. Americana Blvd., Boise.

A portion of proceeds will help “St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital build new running and walking tracks at local schools and support other community health initiatives for kids,” according to a news release.

For more information and to register, go to fitoneboise.org.