Race Preview: Scout Strong 5k/10k (Banks)

If you are familiar with scouting, you know that there is a strong emphasis on outdoor skills, community involvement, and personal responsibility. As part of this well-rounded approach to keeping scouts “physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight,” Boy Scouts of America established the Scout Strong Fitness Program in 2011, which encourages scouts and leaders to work towards their Presidential Active Lifestyle Award by following activity and nutritional guidelines to reach their activity goal. Since then SCOUTStrong 5k/10k races have taken place in various locations around the country. To celebrate its 100th year, Cascade Pacific Council holds its first ScoutStrong 5k/10k on September 24 at Banks High School.  Proceeds from the race help support scouting activities throughout the council, including providing “campership” financial support for scouts to attend summer camps. 

The 5k and 10k both start and end on the Banks High School track. They follow and out-and-back course on the Banks-Vernonia-Trail with the 10k turnaround located just north of the Hwy 26 overpass. There will be two aid stations serving water and Gatorade; the 5k passes one of them twice, the 10k passes both of them twice. The race is open to runners and walkers of all speeds, and strollers and children are welcome. Please leave your dogs at home. The kids lap (1/4 mile around the running track) is free and starts at 8:30am.

While there will be a clock running during the 5k/10k, there is no chip timing and no performance awards will be given. However, all participants are eligible to win raffle prizes, and food and drink is available after the run.

Scout Strong 5k/10k details:
When: Saturday, September 24; 9am
Where: Banks High School (map)
What: 5k, 10k; free kids lap at 8:30am
Registration: Online here (closes 9/22 at 9am) or day-of-race ($10 extra charge)
Registration cost: 5k – $35; 10k – $50; free kids 1/4 mile
Registration includes: non-timed race entry, event tech t-shirt, commemorative coin, post-race refreshments.
Packet Pickup: On race day starting 7:30am.