5K run/walk fundraiser targets youth athletes

The 10th annual Boone Hospital Center 5K Run/Walk will begin at 9 a.m. Memorial Day at Twin Lakes Recreation Area 2500 Chapel Hill Road as a fundraiser for the Columbia Youth Track Club’s Columbia Colts program.

Interested runners or walkers with any range of ability can register the day of the race at Twin Lakes from 7 to 8:30 a.m. for $20. All proceeds go to the Columbia Colts program.

The Youth Track Club will be participating in its own event at 9:30 a.m. Monday with the “Kids on Track” one mile race. Kids 14 and under will be given a calendar to keep track of their running over the summer, aiming for a total of 26.2 miles. Kids can register for the 26.2 mile challenge until June 30 by registering either the day of the race, or at WELLAWARE, 1601 E. Broadway, or Tryathletics, 1605 Chapel Hill Road, for a $1 registration fee.

A finale and run will be held Aug. 20 for the last 1.2 miles of the “Kids on Track” run.

Ted Brandt, director of the WELLAWARE 5K, said the run/walk is a great way to combat child obesity and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

“It gets kids out and active and out from in front of the television,” Brandt said.

The track for the 5K Run/Walk will begin at Twin Lakes and continue onto the MKT Trail.

“It’s a flat, easy course that’s great for beginners,” Brandt said.

The social aspects of the run/walk as well as the health benefits, Brandt said, are good reasons for adults to participate in the event.

“If someone is looking for a reason to get active, it’s a great easy, social way to do it,” Brandt said.

Coca-Cola will provide water at the event, and food will be provided by sponsors such as Shakespeare’s Pizza, Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream, Chesapeake Bagel Bakery, and Hy-Vee. Hollywood Theatres, Alpine Shop, and Tryathletics will give gifts to participants.