Missoula’s 2023 Lard Butt 1K Was “Fat-tastic”: Pictures

Missoula's 2023 Lard Butt 1K was a huge success. The run was in a new location this year at the Fort Missoula Park and it worked out very well for the event. There were smiles, costumes, a local famous musician, and runners galore.

The Lard Butt 1K had Humble Beginnings

The "Lard Butt 1K" started with a group of friends that as they have aged, they came up with the idea to create an event that is inclusive and is for the "below average athlete and weekend warrior in all of us." It is a 1K (.62 miles) run with donut stops placed every 250 meters. With the heat that was predicted this year, it was good to have a location this year that offered a bit more shade than before.

Missoula Lard Butt 1K is Inclusive

There are multiple categories for the "Lard Butt 1K". The "Show Off Wave" for the people that actually try at these events, and yes, they are booed the loudest. The "Legends Wave" is for people that weigh over 250 and better. The "Waddlers Wave" is for everyone else. They also have a "Kids Sprint" where the kids get a chance to be involved too.

Even Though the Lard Butt 1K is Fun, It Isn't Always Easy

The "Lard Butt 1K" is a fun event for people who don't take themselves too seriously. But, it is also an opportunity for people to get out and get some exercise that maybe don't do it too often. The winner of the "Legends Wave" was incredibly proud of himself and gave it his all. There was a runner who was 85 years old and completed the run. Another runner who came in last in the "Waddlers Wave" was a disabled veteran, he and his wife, who has had two knee replacements, made a promise that they would finish the race and they did.

Missoula's Lard Butt 1K is a Group Effort

We have to give thanks to the "Lard Butt Crew", Brent, Eric, Dave, Mark and Dave for putting on a "Fat-Tastic" event. Also Highlander Beer Brewing, Red's Bar, Cost Care, Coca-Cola Missoula, McGowan Water, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Hey Mr. DJ, Outback Septic and Sinclair. There were over 3000 doughnuts ordered this year, and I saw almost that many smiles.