Haden's Heart Fun Run to benefit Clark Fork senior students

CLARK FORK — Eager to keep the memory of a former student alive, and offering some of the best scenery in the region, the second Haden’s Heart 5K Fun Run will be held in Clark Fork on Thursday, July 4. The fundraising run kicks off the 4th of July festivities at 7 a.m., starting and ending at the Clark Fork Fire Department.

The race was started by Clark Fork teacher and Wampus Cats cross country coach Megan Olson, looking to keep the memory of her student Haden Charles Kistler, who passed away from brain cancer two years ago at the age of 13, alive with a scholarship fund.

Last year more than 130 runners took part in the race that bills itself as “the most scenic run in the Pacific Northwest,” and Olson is hoping to try and double that this year. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division.

Last year the race raised more than $5,800, and Olson was thrilled to recently give away $3,700 in scholarship money to this year’s graduating seniors. Olson taught Kistler two years ago and approached his mom, Cheryl Meadows, about starting a scholarship in his honor.

“It was trying to bring something positive out of something so tragic,” said Olson, who thought a fun run was the best way to raise money. “Education perpetuates itself, and we’re using that money to support other Clark Fork grads. Our goal is to reward not only the most academic students, but also those who have shown great academic effort and heartfelt citizenship.”

Last year’s timed race winner, New Jersey’s Luke Bozich, clocked an 18:41 on the race that involves a climb and offers great vantages of the Clark Fork valley during the loop.

Prior to the race, Deanna Vick will hold a Zumba fitness warmup at 6:40 a.m., and following the race will be a donation breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. The annual parade and 4th of July festivities will follow at 9:30 a.m.

The race fee, which includes a T-shirt, is $20 if signing up before June 20, and $25 after that. Registration forms, and more information, can be found by visiting “www.hadensheartfunrun.com.”

For more information on the run, call Olson at (208) 946-1347.

• Wampus Cats hoping raise money for cross country team

Clark Fork has tried to field a cross country team for the past few years, and have 10 runners committed to run for the Wampus Cats in the fall, a big jump from last year when Megan Frazier was the lone competitor.

Unfortunately, with strapped athletic budgets, the onus is on the team to raise $1,000 to help pay for travel and entry fees. The team will be holding a car wash on July 13 at Hays Chevron, but is also looking for help from the running community.

“I have my fingers crossed that we can actually field a full team for the girls next year,” said head coach Megan Olson. “I want to give a special shout out to the Sandpoint team, they are so supportive of our runners.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the team can send a check payable to Clark Fork Cross Country, to Megan Olson, P.O. Box 337, Clark Fork, Idaho, 83811.

• Clark Fork to host LPOSD elementary track meet today

Many of the fastest youth in the area will be burning up the track today at the annual Lake Pend Oreille School District elementary track meet, put on by Clark Fork teacher K.C. MacDonald.

Action begins at 9 a.m. at the high school track in Clark Fork. Track and field athletes from Sagle, Washington, Northside, Kootenai, Southside, Farmin Stidwell and Hope Elementary Schools will participate in a host of running, jumping and throwing events.

Washington Elementary has won the team title the past two years.  There will be no shortage of energy, as a fun time is had by all.