Haden's Heart Fun Run on tap July 4 in Clark Fork

CLARK FORK — Get a great workout, honor a former Clark Fork student and help a local senior go to college: Not a bad way to start your 4th of July.

The 3rd annual Haden’s Heart Fun Run 5K will start at 7 a.m. at the Clark Fork Library on July 4, before winding through a scenic loop that features a fair amount of elevation gain.

The race was started three years ago by Clark Fork teacher Megan Olson, who wanted to honor former student Haden Kistler, who died in 2011. All of the proceeds from the race go directly to a scholarship fund for a Clark Fork senior.

“Haden was a very sweet kid, great character. The race is about his legacy, the way he gave to the community,” said Olson. “It’s also a chance to generate money for Clark Fork kids who also have these qualities.”

Last year 111 racers participated, with Sam Overman leading the way with a time of 20:15, taking into account several hundred feet of elevation gain up Lightning Creek, overlooking the valley.

So far more than $13,000 has gone to in scholarships for Clark Fork students, and with Olson hoping for more than 150 runners, the total could go up.

There will also be a zumba class hosted by Deanna Vick at 6:40 a.m., and the Clark Fork Fire Department will host a pancake breakfast at 7:30 p.m. It’s all a nice prelude to the Clark Fork parade, which starts at 9:30 a.m.

For entry forms, and more information, visit “www.hadensheartfunrun.com.”

For more information, call Olson at 946-1347.