Meet Doug Mitchell
Running Vacation Races’ Glacier Half Marathon
Fundraising for Glacier Conservancy where he also happens to be the Executive Director
RUN FOR WHAT YOU LOVE
Doug, executive director of the Glacier Conservancy, has always been a runner but the Glacier Half Marathon gives him the chance to combine his love of running with the preservation work he’s most passionate about in one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Plus as Doug shares, “The Glacier Half Marathon provides a unique opportunity to meet other runners from around the country, many of whom are visiting Glacier Park for the first time, and provide them with the opportunity to help make a lasting and powerful impact by supporting a charity bib runner like me.”
DOING THE WORK
The Glacier Conservancy is the official nonprofit fundraising partner of Glacier National Park and provides funding for vital projects and programs to preserve and protect Glacier for future generations. According to Doug, “In 2024 the Glacier Conservancy will fund 44 projects and programs in Glacier totaling nearly $3.5 million, supporting projects like: educational programming for students and visitors, including field trips for local students and programs like Native America Speaks and Half the Park Happens After Dark; wildlife research, monitoring, and management, including an ongoing study of pikas, preservation of native trout, and support for bison reintroduction and management; and wilderness preservation initiatives like native plant restoration, AIS monitoring, and restoring wilderness character.” While the minimum for the Glacier Half Marathon Charity Bib is $1,000, Doug and his team set their goal to raise $5,000 to support the multitude of programs offered.
YOUR VISIT MATTERS
Whether you are running a bib at the event, or just visiting the park this summer or simply love Glacier National Park, you can make a difference. As Doug shares, “This important work is not possible without donor support! Simply making a donation of any amount helps protect Glacier. The Glacier Conservancy also operates the Visitor Center Bookstores in the park and online – shopping with us supports park projects and programs!”
Beyond how to make a difference, Doug and his team give a warning to all first time visitors. “Be prepared to fall in love. Glacier is such a special place and a unique resource, and your memories here will last a lifetime. There are so many things to do, places to visit, and ways to experience the park. Take it in however you can, whether that’s spending a quiet moment watching the sun set or sitting by a crystal clear glacial lake, journeying up Going-to-the-Sun Road for views that are guaranteed to take your breath away, or taking a hike into the wild backcountry for a few hours of complete solitude – you really can’t go wrong!”
Vacation Races’ Glacier Half Marathon takes place June 29th.
You can also support Team Glacier at the Glacier Half by signing up to run as a Charity Bib, making a donation, or sharing their fundraiser! Can’t make it? There are still plenty of ways in 2024 to wander for a purpose. And 2025 events are just beginning to open too.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the park and the Glacier Conservancy’s work, you can join their bi-monthly virtual events Glacier Book Club and Glacier Conversations. These free events offer a fascinating look into park projects, Glacier stories, scientific research, and the people behind it all.