REF Turkey Trotters Run to Raise $5000 for Riverview Youth

 

By Paige Denison, Riverview Education Foundation

 

When they started moving cows to higher ground in Carnation Wednesday, we knew the water would be high. We also knew that the phone calls and emails would start coming. Runners from Tacoma and Olympia called first: "Is the course under water?" and "How do I get to the race if the roads are closed?" And the calls and emails kept coming.. The race committee took a collective deep breath and kept answering the calls as the rivers crested, planning and doing all those last minute tasks so they'd be ready for runners that dared make the trek. Fortunately for Riverview students, 242 runners registered to race the beautiful Camp River Ranch trails under an amazingly clear blue sky. The big winner again this year ? Riverview students! Approximately $5,000 in proceeds will be designated for REF Health and Wellness grants, strengthening the learning environment for community youth.

 

Event Winners:

 

Turkey Trot 5K

Overall Male

James Conrick   Seattle   17:14 ( Cedarcrest Alumni)

Overall Female

Abby Callison     Black Diamond 23:21 *   

 

Turkey Trot 10K

Overall Male

Jon Houk     Gig Harbor 37:35

Overall Female

Kristi Houk   Gig Harbor 38:16*

 

* New Course Records!

 

Following the foot races, River Current's Lil'Gobblers Dashes were held through the finish chutes. Young runners were all smiles as they chased Jake across the finish line to high five RiverCurrent Publishers, Bill and Laura Falcon. Once there, they collected their shiny green participant ribbons, REI Frisbees and turkey medallions (for their shoelaces!)

 

Runners awaiting results were treated to a skilled display of strength and agility by Gymnastics East. Participants also were able to visit with a variety of wellness and safety vendors including: PCC Natural Markets, CERT, Valley Chiropractic, Tachell Enterprises, Edward D. Jones, Dietician Diane Zakrajsek and Award winning children's author, Bri Grant. Group Health Foundation provided a wonderful array of hands-on health exhibits to engage youth and encourage them to take charge of their health.

 

REF Health and Wellness g rant proposals may be submitted by Riverview teachers, other district personnel, parents or students (as long as they are sponsored by a certificated Riverview staff member). The Grant season begins in late November and Riverview Education Foundation can't wait to give it away! Visit www.refweb.org for more information and complete sponsor details and full race results including age group winners.

 

Big thanks to the many Community Volunteers, SVARC, CHS XC Team and TMS/CHS Honor Society Students! Kudos to the event sponsors who made it happen: Itchy Dog Productions, River Currents News, Valley View, Duvall Civic Club , PCC Natural Markets, Bri Grant/Balanced Steps, Thrive Community Fitness, Brooks Racing, Camwest, Edward D. Jones, Erin Baker's Cookies, Safeway, Carnation Tree Farm, Little Hotties, Issaquah Costco, REI, Footzone, Road ID, Evergreen Healthcare and Spitz Seeds!

 

Thanks to all for helping Riverview Education Foundation enrich the education of Riverview students.