Missoula Rotary Cleans Marathon Route, Helps Youth Homes

Jackson Crawford and Kiona Stenerson didn't just organize a cleanup. They created a triple win that connected runners, volunteers, and at-risk youth across Missoula.

More than 20 volunteers from local Rotary clubs spread out along Mullan Road in May 2026, tackling the first 11 miles of the Missoula Marathon route. By the end of the day, they'd filled two truck loads with trash and strengthened ties between organizations that share a common mission.

The partnership brought together Run Wild Missoula and Rotary's Epic Day of Service, with all groups supporting youth homes in the area. Crawford's Rotary club works with Sunrise Youth Homes, while Stenerson's partners with Watson's Children Shelter.

"It's not really about cleaning up that one piece of trash," Crawford explained. "It is more about coming together."

The collaboration goes beyond cleanup days. Rotary volunteers take kids from the youth homes on special outings and help make physical improvements to their living spaces, including kitchen and common area upgrades.

Crawford sees the work as a two-way street. "It serves people more than it serves us and being a volunteer it feels really good," he said.

The Ripple Effect

The cleanup demonstrates how one event can spark multiple positive outcomes. Runners get a cleaner course, youth homes gain visibility and support, and volunteers experience the joy of service while building community connections.

Stenerson noticed the energy immediately when volunteers gathered at the start line. "This morning when I seen everyone here and they are all smiling faces and ready for the day, it felt amazing," she said.

The partnership makes sense for everyone involved. Both Run Wild Missoula and the Rotary clubs already sponsor youth homes independently, so joining forces amplified their impact while accomplishing a practical goal.

For the young people living in these homes, the support means more than just improved facilities. It shows them that their community cares and wants to invest in their future.

The marathon route is cleaner, the youth homes have stronger support networks, and volunteers left with full hearts and a reminder that service connects us all.