United Way Spring Dash returns April 25 at McEuen Park

Spring Dash is bringing runners, walkers and kids back to McEuen Park on April 25, and the biggest change this year is a new partnership with Negative Split that will cover the first 100 Tot Trot entries for children in ALICE families receiving childcare scholarships. The race will include a 5K, 10K, half marathon and Tot Trot for children 12 and younger, with registration still open and fees set at $85 for the half marathon, $65 for the 10K, $45 for the 5K and $20 for the Tot Trot. ([cdapress.com](cdapress.com/news/2026/apr/10/runners-walkers-ready-for-spring-dash/))

For United Way of North Idaho, Spring Dash is more than a spring fitness event. Last year’s race drew 1,200 participants, the largest turnout to date, and the nonprofit says sponsorships and donations help keep its local work moving through the rest of the year. The event has been part of the Inland Northwest running calendar since 1982, and its mix of downtown Coeur d’Alene scenery, lake views and family races has kept it rooted as a community ritual as much as a road race. ([cdapress.com](cdapress.com/news/2026/apr/10/runners-walkers-ready-for-spring-dash/))

The fundraising side matters in a county where many households are still stretched thin. United Way of North Idaho says 49% of North Idaho households are walking a financial tightrope, and its ALICE Child Care Scholarship Program, launched in 2020, helps families who are attending school or employed pay for pre-K and school-age care. United For ALICE says Idaho had 303,295 households below the ALICE threshold in 2022, or 43% of all households, including 11% in poverty and 32% classified as ALICE. UWNI’s broader impact report says the organization has delivered 2,479 childcare scholarships and awarded $685,777 in Community Care Funds since 2020. ([uwnorthidaho.org](uwnorthidaho.org/alice))

Runners who want a fast course still get one. UWNI says all races begin and end at McEuen Park, with out-and-back, paved routes that are relatively flat and fast and offer views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The 10K remains a second-seed qualifier for Bloomsday, a draw for serious runners, while returning sponsors Kootenai Health, The Coeur d’Alene Press and Idaho Central Credit Union show the event still has deep local backing. For families, the Tot Trot keeps younger children in the mix, and for the nonprofit, every entry helps turn a morning on the waterfront into direct support for neighbors across Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone and Benewah counties. ([cdapress.com](cdapress.com/news/2026/apr/10/runners-walkers-ready-for-spring-dash/))