On Saturday, December 7, runners and walkers will make loop after loop of the asphalt path around the pond at Summerlake Park during the Operation Jack Northwest Run. The race is a fund raiser for autism research, inspired by Sam Felsenfeld, who started running marathons in 2010 to raise money and awareness for his autistic son, Jack. A year and 61 marathons later, he’d raised around $100,000.
This is the 10th year that Steve Walters has put on the Pacific NW version of an Operation Jack endeavor, making his 6.1 hours to match the 61 marathons run by Felsenfeld. His fundraising target this year is $1,500, and you can help him reach it by registering for the run!
You can choose your own distance by signing up for the 6-hour run, or run a measured half marathon or marathon. The race is run ultra-style, with a central location serving as the start/finish, aid station, and drop bag location. There are real bathrooms on-course, and participants will be treated to ultra food at the start/finish.
The loop at Summerlake is close to a mile, and volunteers are needed to help with lap counting. Spectators are encouraged as well, to come cheer runners on. There is a cap on the race, with roughly 40 spots available in each of the three races as of October 20. If you and a friend both sign up, you could even make it a relay of sorts and take turns running loops.
This is a wonderful opportunity to test your fitness for a full or half marathon, or try out your race nutrition on a supported, safe course during a long run. Here are the details:
When: Saturday, December 7, 2019
What time: 8a – 2p (Please note that if you are not sure you can complete a marathon in 6 hours but want to try, you can contact Walters to arrange for an early start.)
Where: Summerlake Park Pavilion, located on the west side of the park across from Brittany Drive. Feed your GPS the address, “11450 SW Winterlake Drive, Tigard, OR.” Parking is available on the street – please do not park in the dog park parking lot so that other park users have readily available parking.
Register: Online here for the 6-hour race or marathon for $60, or the half for $50. Prices include a race shirt, and registrants are encouraged to make any additional donation they feel comfortable with.
