Race Preview: 2014 Veterans 5K/10K Family Trail Run/Walk
Happy 4th of July everyone! While today is a day that we think of a day off from work, barbeques, and fireworks, it is important to remember what this is about - remembering the signing of the Declaration of Independence after our fight for freedom with England. Those fighters could be considered our country's first Veterans.
That is why this race preview fits in perfectly today. The city of Keizer is once again home to the Veterans 5K/10k Family Trail Run and walk on Saturday, August 16. Last year's event featured solely a 5k and was on a stormy late-September morning. This year, the race will take on a 10k and move up a month for what should be less of a chance for a downpour. They are also bringing in professional chip-timing, a huge step up from the hand timer they used last year.
This race is put on to support Serving Our Veterans at Home (SOVAH). SOVAH is a program that assists veteran’s with the complex benefits system here in Oregon and helping them navigate to maximize their entitlements they have earned from their service. They describe their mission this way:
Our veterans are strong men and women, many of whom are struggling with benefits, healthcare, relationships, or even housing. We are working hard to resolve the issues for our veterans.
I ran in the inaugural event while pushing my 2-year-old in the stroller, and despite the weather and first-time race director, the atmosphere and drive for perfection was definitely there. I can clearly see this by the major improvements they are seeking out this year.
Once again, the event is starting at Keizer Rapids Park. This park is less than a quarter-mile from my door, and the 10k will actually essentially be through my neighborhood! The first 2.1 miles will circle around the park’s paved and bark trails under both the open sky and the large tree canopy. Having walked and ran in this park many, many times, you can expect a very flat and well maintained running surface. Following that initial run, the rest of the jaunt will be on paved road through my West Keizer Neighborhood.
There were a lot of families decked out in race shirts happy to cruise through the park together. I have run in a wide range of races, and races like these just put things into perspective.
The course featured a wide range of terrains – the first of which was a mile of well paved walking trails. There was a loop around the boat launch area and the open field in the SE corner of the park before we hit the canopy of trees that flank the Willamette River.
The paved path gave way to a dirt and small gravel path following mile 1. My daughter didn’t seem to mind the change over to the more uneven path even though it took her a few head smacks to the side of the stroller to figure out how she needed to settle herself in. There was a small water station before heading past the Disc Golf parking area.
After a quick section on gravel road, the terrain turned into a single lane dirt trail. While it was well maintained, it did feature a few tree roots and a few down and up hills that slowed up me and the stroller. I found the trail to be well-marked with orange markers and paint, but I did overhear afterwards that a few people took the wrong path at a few forks.
Following the jaunt through the forested trail, we were spit out onto more gravel, but this time the rocks were much bigger and caused some stroller navigation issues. We were passed by a few runners along this medium stretch leading up to mile 2. The final surge before returning to the paved path was an extremely short, yet steep up and down hill that was definitely a brief challenge.
Overall, we had a great time at this local race. I am honestly shocked that this park isn’t utilized for more races, but I can say that I was pleased to see a race for a great cause take to the trails here. I am hoping that they can continue to grow over time and be back in 2014 with even more participants and fun.
As it turns out, they are definitely back for more fun and hope to see more people out there. I love supporting small races, and recommend both this park and event as ones to check out. There will be a family event following the races and random awards available. There will also be a VA providers table and activities for the kids.<
Veteran’s 5K Family Trail Run/Walk (Keizer)
Packet pick up: Please pick up your package on Friday August 15 at the Salem VFW post 661 at 630 Hood St. Salem OR 97301 between 3-6PM or on day of the run at Keizer Rapids Park between 7-7:30am.
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