Over its 22 years, the Lyle’s Myles fun run has been many things. It’s been an “Amazing Race” type event, it’s been a 7.5k, and this year, it will be a flat and fast route starting at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver, WA, heading out and back along the Columbia River. But one thing seems to be guaranteed every year: that Lyle Smith will get first place, and his name will be etched on the Big Trophy for another year. Because anyone who passes him is disqualified.
But don’t think that Lyle takes himself too seriously–plaques are awarded to the “fastest disqualified” male and female in each age division. Lyle came up with the idea 22 years ago, on his 60th birthday. Tired of finishing race after race at the back of the pack, he decided to make a race with that very special rule. This event is not only runner and walker friendly, it’s also stroller and dog friendly ($2 donation per dog is requested), as well as any other means of transportation you can devise–they encourage originality and creativity, and add that participants don’t even have to go the entire 5k if they don’t want to.
There’s also a costume contest–the winning team receives a pizza party (up to $50 value) at the restaurant of their choice, with Lyle in attendance!
Lyle’s Myles benefits three HIV/AIDS-centric charities, both local and global:
40% of proceeds go to Global Partners for Development, funding projects in Africa to break the cycle of poverty and save lives.
50% go to Martha’s Pantry in Vancouver, providing food, toiletries, clothing and more to the poorest and most needy individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS.
The remaining 10% of funds raised will go to Cascade AIDS Project in Portland.
The 22nd annual event will coincide with Vancouver’s annual Pride festival.
Lyle’s Myles 5k
Saturday July 11th, 2015 at 9:15am
Esther Short Park; Vancouver, WA
Register online here for only $10 (+$2 processing)