2nd Annual
Martin Luther King Jr.
5k/1k Run and Walk

By Celia Perkins

On the morning of January 18, the 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. 5k/10k Run and Walk started out wet and a little cool. As participants were registering and picking up their race packets, many huddled under the tents to try to avoid the rain. Wild Oats provided coffee, hot chocolate and even doughnuts!

As the runners and walkers gathered at the start line in front of the Adidas store, the sound of the air horn blew and the race headed south on MLK Jr. Blvd., made a couple of U-turns along MLK Jr. Blvd. past smiling, cheering volunteers, and finished at King Park. With the great help of the volunteers and motorcycle police, the streets were closed off to the local traffic for everyone’s safety. As we passed the many groups of volunteers, they were full of great cheers and support.

During the 5k race the 1k Kids Dash began. The eager participants stood ready at the start, ages ranging from 6 to 11 years old. After they took off, running as fast as they could, many realized why pacing yourself is so important. All finished with big smiles on their faces as they received “You are a Winner” ribbons.

The event attracted 73 participants despite the weather. It was a great turnout for the 2nd Annual MLK Jr. 5k/1K Run and Walk.

Even though it was the weekend before the Superbowl, on January 24, over 400 walking participants from all over the Northwest met at McMenamin’s Kennedy School for this non-competitive 10k walk. The Columbia River Volkssport Club sponsored this event.

Once inside Kennedy School walkers waited for others to join them and coffee was provided to those who wanted to socialize before leaving on the walk. A collage of pictures from past walks was displayed.

This year featured an all-new route. You could stroll the local neighborhoods enjoying the picturesque homes in the Concordia, Alberta, Irvington, and Beaumont districts and walk though several parks and past Concordia College. With this walk being self-paced and non-competitive, you could take your time and enjoy the scenery.

The checkpoint was at Foot Traffic located at NE 41st and Fremont. There one could check out the bargains of the store-wide sale, have a glass of water, and grab a Tootsie roll, and head back to the Kennedy School.

After the walk, we had the opportunity to relax and visit in the family-oriented McMenamin’s Pub. A menu of choices of great food and micro-brews were available, which was a perfect ending to a 10k.