Haden's Heart Fun Run kicks off 4th festivities

CLARK FORK — Get your Fourth of July started in grand fashion while supporting a great cause during the 4th annual Haden’s Heart Fun Run, a scenic 5K run in Clark Fork.

The race starts at 7 a.m. at the Clark Fork Library, following a free Zumba warm up at 6:40 a.m. Following the race, the Clark Fork Fire Department will host a pancake breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m., followed by the fun-filled Clark Fork parade at 9:30 a.m.

The run started four years ago as a way to honor Haden Charles Kistler, a Clark Fork High School student who died of cancer at the age of 13 in 2011. He touched a lot of people in the tight-knit community, including teacher Megan Olson, who started the run as a way to keep Haden’s memory alive.

Proceeds from the race will go to a scholarship for Clark Fork graduating seniors. Many of Haden’s friends are among the Class of 2016, which will be the beneficiary of this year’s race.

Haden’s Race has given away more than $14,000 in scholarships in the past three years, and as the race continues to grow, so will the funds for the students.

Cheryl Meadows, Haden’s mom, said Olson approached her years ago and the race was born.

“She has given so much of herself to this community in so many ways, she’s truly an angel,” says Meadows of Olson, as the pair work together to put on the race. “After this year we are handing the race over to The Filling Station. They have been incredibly generous, not only in helping us, but to the young people of Clark Fork.”

A host of volunteers, sponsors and donors have helped grow the event, which had 90 finishers last year. Tristan Dicke won in a time of 20:41, which accounts for a couple of steep elevation gains.

Haden loved to run, and he also liked to ride his dirt bike, so the race begins with some of his friends riding the course on motorcycles as a way to pay tribute. As soon as the riders get back to the starting line, the runners do their thing, with some strong inclines that only the most seasoned runners seem to be able to run up. Of course, many walk the course, some push strollers and others just walk their dogs.

Meadows says she could see Haden participating in such an event to help someone else, and admits the race has been a welcome outlet for her grieving process.

“The atmosphere on race day, as early as it is, is so full of joy. I look around at people laughing and smiling, just so happy to be part of such a great cause,” describes Meadows. “The run is a great way to start the holiday.”

For more information, visit “www.hadensheartfunrun.com,” or call Megan Olson at 946-1347.