Bitter cold doesn’t stop Burn the Bird race

Hundreds of people ran or walked in the 12th annual Burn the Bird Thursday even though it was only 2 degrees at the 8 a.m. race start in Gibson Park in Great Falls.

“It’s slower than what I normally run, but it’s cold out,” said Forrest Bouge of Great Falls of his time of 40 minutes, 54 seconds moments after he crossed the finish line first in the 10K race.

Bouge, his beard covered in frost, ran the race in shorts.

A few slick spots marked the course following River’s Edge Trail thanks to the recent snow, especially on the Central Avenue bridge, but overall the trail was fine, Bouge said.

Hayden Allen, also of Great Falls, won the 5K race with a time of 26:29.

“We didn’t know it was going to be 2 degrees when we signed up, but we’re committed,” Justin Secrest, his face completely covered with a mask and sun glasses, said before the race.

Secrest, who is in the Air Force, ran with his 15-year-old daughter, Evelyn.

Despite the bitter cold, close to 300 people participated.

Ronald Ray, president of Race Montana, which organizes the annual Thanksgiving day run, said more than 400 entered the races last year, but it wasn’t 2 degrees out either.

“It’s pretty darn cold,” he said.

Portions of the proceeds from the event go to good causes in the community such as the River’s Edge trail projects, he said.

It’s also a way to honor Malmstrom Air Force Base personnel for their service. Prior to the race start, Ray singled out runners who serve in the military for their service.

“The ultimate goal is to get people out exercising,” said Ray.

Will Albrecht raced in a chicken costume.

“Just for fun,” said Albrecht, who ran with his wife, Danielle, who was not wearing a chicken costume.