Childrens' 5K to be offered at 2019 Scenic Half Marathon
(File photo/CAROLINE LOBSINGER) Runners kick it in during the home stretch of the 2018 Scenic Half, held on Sept. 16, 2018. Sign-ups for this year’s Scenic Half, including a childrens’ 5K are open.
The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce announced it will bring back the 5K run for the 11th annual Scenic Half Marathon and 10K race on Sunday, Sept. 15. Focusing on children’s health and wellness, this will be a race for children from Kindergarten through sixth grade — although parents and siblings are welcome to run with their children.
“After a parent approached us about adding a kid run as a possible school fundraiser, Washington Elementary PTA and parent volunteers will be taking on the task of developing and implementing the model to set the stage for other schools going forward,” Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kate McAlister said. “We look forward to working with Washington Elementary and other schools in the future.”
The Chamber has partnered with Washington Elementary School for the inaugural event; all proceeds from the run will go directly back to the school.
“Washington Elementary is excited for this fundraising opportunity,” Principal Natassia Hamer said. “The Kids 5K will be a fun family event that supports and benefits all Washington Elementary students.”
Registration for the run will be $15 per child or $50 per family. Kids will receive a T-shirt, race bib and a medal for the top three finishers in each grade.
Registration forms are available online at www.scenichalf.com and at the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, 1202 Fifth Avenue in Sandpoint.
Cash or check payments only for the 5K run with checks payable to Washington Elementary School PTA. Payments and registrations can be dropped off or mailed to the Chamber office, attention to Kristin Carlson.
Day-of registration will be available from 6:30-7:45 a.m. at the lawn of Trinity at City Beach. Day-of registration will cost $20 per child or $50 per family.
The 5K run will start at City Beach and run along the Sand Creek Trail.
“This is will be a learning year. If it is a success, we will offer it to other elementary schools, and possibly create a district-wide kids run benefiting them all,” McAlister said. “We want to offer a healthy and active way to fundraise those extra dollars for the school. Our hope is the kids will graduate to the 10K after they age out of the kids run, and so on. It is all about getting outside and being active.”
This is an all-inclusive event. Scholarships are available for families and children who cannot afford registration costs. Contact Washington Elementary Principal Natassia Hamer for scholarship information at natassia.hamer@lposd.org. For general questions about the race, please contact Kristin Carlson at (208) 263-2161 or kristin@sandpointchamber.com.