Race preview: Sparrow 5k run/walk in Aloha moved to THIS Saturday, April 12

This race was just moved to this Saturday, April 12! Please attend if you can, and spread the word. Info below:

The Sparrow Foundation offers a program for high school or college kids to support and raise funds for a young child in their community that is battling cancer or another life-threatening disease. Students at Aloha High School started the Sparrow 5k in 2013, raising funds for a one-year-old named Olivia who is now thankfully cancer-free. This year's race goal is to raise more than $2,000 for Sydney, who is fighting Leukodystrophy and has lost the ability to talk and perform certain body movements. The race is only $5 to participate - of course, you can donate more than (we recommend at least $10) - and there are even a first place prize for the top male and female finishers. Students also worked together to offer t-shirts and Wearshare bracelets for sale, the proceeds from which will also go to "Sparrow Sydney", as they call her. Here are the vitals, information on the course is below: Sparrow 5k Run/Walk When: Saturday, April 12, 2014 (MOVED FROM APRIL 19th!) What time: 9a

Where: Aloha High School at 18550 SW Kinnaman Rd, Aloha, OR 97007

Register: Day of Race starting around 8:15-8:30. Cash is preferred, checks are also accepted

This run is student-organized and staffed; some of the most eager volunteers to ever put on a race! I ran this event last year and plan to again this year, so I can tell you firsthand how great the students did at cheering runners along and keeping them on course.

At last year’s race, there were runners (including a few speedsters) and walkers, and many people ran with their kiddos. This is not a stroller-friendly course, because part of it is on grass or wood chip trail. Expect a quick start and finish on the track – and watch out for the littlest runners who like to start up at the front of the pack and then unexpectedly stop 100 meters into the race.

The course then takes  turn onto some small gravel for a very short distance, then onto a soft wood chip path, then to some grass and after a small hill you pop up to the front of the school and run on sidewalk for a bit. Back to the track, around the 3rd corner and you head back out on the course. The 2nd “loop” you’ll run or walk the opposite direction and then end back up coming down the gravel and take a final zoom to the track and angling across the field to the finish. It’s a great finish, easy to see your friends or family coming into the chute and cheer them to a faster 5k time.

Be sure to pick up a t-shirt or sweatshirt for only $11/$15. Not only do they look great, but you can use them as a conversation starter to tell other people about the race and the Sparrow Club at Aloha High School! These have a limited quality, so grab one in your size right away.