Delaneys shine at Missoula Half Marathon

The Missoula Half Marathon, held the last weekend in June, is a test of athletic prowess, and a local father and his two talented daughters have tackled that challenge. Polson's Jason Delaney, a seasoned runner, shared the starting line with his daughters, Morgan and Quinn.

Last year, Jason and Morgan competed in the half-marathon, with both winning their age groups.

"Morgan had a successful Missoula Half Marathon debut, and although she was aware of the age group record, she was mostly content to just get a good effort in and finish feeling well, which she did," Delaney said.

Jason, moving into this year's race, said he had a few training setbacks and switched from the full to the half marathon.

"In the weeks leading up to the race, it became obvious I was not going to be able to race the full marathon," Delaney said. "I have had a knee injury bugging me since ski season that I could not get resolved. However, in the last couple weeks before the race, I realized I was comfortable running with the kids I coach on the track team and that I could probably run the half marathon with the girls.”

It was his second time running the half marathon and Delaney was able to share the start line with his daughters.

"Morgan had the intention of running it fast this year and was gone from the gun – running just behind the leaders while I settled in for the duration with Quinn," Delaney said. "Morgan continued to storm ahead, setting the under 14 age group record."

Morgan's time was 1:32:11, an average pace of 7:02 per mile.

Quinn started the race strong and fought through fatigue to finish second in her age group, while her dad won his age group.

"For me, it's just so exciting to share this sport with my kids and see them enjoy it in much the same ways I do," Delaney said. "The girls have been training for track this spring and now the Junior Olympic Season, so their training was not what many would consider half marathon training since their focus was so much on the shorter middle distance races of the track season."

The girls, however, did go on long runs of six to eight miles as preparation for the half-marathon, along with track workouts and some easy three-to-four mile runs.

"Even though they were excited to race this distance, I purposely chose to keep the training short and somewhat relaxed and fun for them mostly because they are still so young," Delaney said. "It could be so easy in my mind to get carried away and wind up injured or burned out, which is the last thing they need."

The favorable race day conditions and the nearly flat course contributed to the athletes' outstanding performances. Jason praised the event's organization and was delighted to share the sport he loves with his daughters.

Not only did the Delaney family shine at the Missoula Half Marathon, but their involvement in track and field extended beyond this event. Inspired by the lack of a championship events for middle schoolers, Jason initiated the Mission Mountain Mercury track club. This endeavor aims to provide young athletes a meaningful platform to showcase their talents and passion for running.

The club's efforts paid off, as the young athletes performed exceptionally well at the regional championships, earning six national qualifiers. Quinn, the youngest member, showcased her prowess in the 3,000 meters, clinching the state championship and securing first place at regionals.

With her outstanding performances, Morgan qualified for the national championships in multiple events, including the 3,000, 1,500, and possibly the 800. Jason's nine-year-old son also qualified for nationals in two events.

The Junior Olympic National Championships will be held in Eugene, Ore., at the end of the month.

"I, for one, am very excited to make the trip to watch the girls and the rest of our club qualifiers compete at the most famous track and field venue in the U.S., where they will certainly find some serious competition," Delaney said. "In total, our little club had five national qualifiers. One of the great things I have realized about the Junior Olympics is the kids on the club team get to meet many of their peers with a similar level of interest in the sport."

In an interview, Quinn expressed her joy in participating in running since she was little.

"We train for this mostly by going on our long runs," Quinn said. "The course was a really nice road to run on."

Morgan reminisced about starting her running journey in a little kids' track team at the tender age of two. She only started running half marathons last year.

"Training with my family was awesome,” she said. “During the race, my sister and my dad ran together and dad paced her but I was quite a bit ahead as I was chasing the 14-and-under course record."

The Delaney family's story highlights the value of running as a way of bringing families together and fostering a love for a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. While the Missoula Half Marathon is over, there will be plenty of running ahead for them at nationals at the end of the month.