MI Run Day coud get 3,000 people
Mar 03 2005
By Matt Phelps
With early registration ending Friday for the annual Mercer Island Rotary Run Day, the event is shaping up to be one of the biggest in its 33-year history.
The event Sunday, March 20, will include the Virginia Mason Half Marathon Run/Walk, the Swedish Medical Canter 8K Classic Run/Walk and the Mercer Island Reporter Kids' Dash.
``We have been promoting it heavily and we have made a number of changes,'' said Bo Darling, who has been the event's organizer the past three years.
Darling expects more than 3,000 people to participate in the festivities, with more than 250 volunteers helping to make the event possible. Last year, 2,230 people participated. One big reason that Darling gives for the increased numbers is that the event has been promoted on King 5 through public service announcements.
``We both found a common goal in promoting colon cancer awareness,'' said Darling. ``In past years we have had multiple causes. This year we have really sharpened our focus.''
New for this year event is the Half Marathon walk.
``We found that there is a huge community of walkers out there,'' said Darling.
Teams will also be included in this year's event in an attempt to raise money for colon cancer awareness. There will be no day-of-race team registration.
Another big change is that this year's event will be certified. The 8K classic is an official second seed Bloomsday qualifying race.
Organizers have also made plans for ``Blitz,'' the Seattle Seahawks' mascot to be on hand along with Blue Thunder, the team's drum line.
All events will start and finish in front of the Farmers New World Life building located at 3003, 77th Ave. S.E.
Refreshments, massages and live music available will add to the festivities.
The course will also close East and West Mercer ways to traffic during the event, along with some downtown Mercer Island streets.
Islanders will participate in the event along with non-Island residents. Last year, the event had participants from as far away as Idaho and Oregon.
Islander Robinson Howell, who has competed in the Half Marathon for the majority of the last 20 years, was the first Mercer Island resident over the finish line last year.
The first-place finish was the ninth for Howell and sixth in a row.
``I have been having an Achilles problem, but I hope to do it this year,'' said Howell. ``It is a part of the rights of spring -- the beginning of the running season.''
``There are a lot of turns and hills,'' said Howell. ``It is a pretty challenging course. It is also nice to see all of your neighbors out and traditionally the weather has been good for this event.''
On the other side, 86-year-old Island resident Phil Flash may try to defend his title.
``I think I hold a record,'' said Flash. ``I have come in last place (in the 8K) the past two or three years. But it doesn't bother me. The important thing is just to stay active. It's important to warm up really good as well.''
Mercer Island High School cross country and track and field head coach Erica Hill will attempt to defend her title from 2004 as the first female Islander across the finish line in the Half Marathon.
Ryan Rein was the first male Islander across the finish line in the 8K last year, with Lorett Soffe being the first female.
John Frazier, who is the president of the Rotary Club of Mercer Island, will participate in the event for the fifth year.
``This is our primary fund raiser but its really become about colon cancer awareness,'' said Frazier.
Participants can register until 8:30 a.m. on the day of the race. Registration by mail ends March 5, and pre-race registration ends March 18. Pre-race registration is available at Club Emerald on Mercer Island (3028 78th Ave. S.E.), The Foot Zone athletic stores in Redmond, Issaquah and Bellevue, Seattle Running Company, Sound Sports, Super Jock'N Jill and the Mercer Island Washington Mutual branch (7900 S.E. 28th St. Suite 101). Entry fees for each event vary.
For more information on the Rotary Run Day, call 236-5323 ext. 1920 or visit www.ontherun.com
So keep your comments:
- Civil
- Smart
- On-topic
- Free of profanity
We ask that all participants own their words by registering for an account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and drive-by commenters.
As a community site, we ask that the community help by using the "Flag" button on each comment if they feel the comment has violated the rules. You can also use the up and down arrows on each comment to voice your opinion about that particular comment.
Want to tell us something but you don't want it to be public? Talk to us privately.
