Badger Mountain Challenge under way on Tri-City’s favorite trails

Friends Tony Johns, left, of Snohomish and Todd Himple of Lake Stevens hike Friday up McBee Hill in Benton City during the Badger Mountain Challenge 50- and 100-mile race.

The sixth annual competition continues Saturday morning with a 15K and 50K starting at Bethel Church and Trailhead Park in Richland.

“Badger’s sort of become a fixture in the Tri-Cities. It’s become so accessible with all the new trails and people love to hike it,” said Jason Reathaford, race director. “It’s a really fun event and we’re going to have vendors in the park.”

Reathaford also said the event is a good way to usher in spring.

The nonprofit Nomad Trail Runners of Eastern Washington organizes the event which raises money for various groups, including Friends of Badger Mountain.

See a video at www.tricityherald.com/video.

This story was originally published March 25, 2016 at 4:29 PM with the headline "Badger Mountain Challenge under way on Tri-City’s favorite trails."