Mercer Island Run - Washington State

[NWgirl]

http://www.mercerislandhalf.com/

Hey Washington State peeps! I just signed up to volunteer for this event. Guess I better get my map out and figure out where it is - lol! Anyone else interested in volunteering? Maybe a bunch of us could get assigned to the same rest stop to hand out water/Gatorade! I volunteered at a local marathon last June and even though I wasn't running in it (SO not going to happen!); it was really FUN to support the runners! And this one is to raise funds towards colo-rectal cancer issues/prevention. There are also 5K and 10K walk/run options if you feel like stretching your legs a bit.

Also - for those in WA State, if you click on "Support our Causes" and then on "40 Faces" - you can list your name, give your story, etc. and they will post it on their web page (you can read details on their web-site).

Anyhoo - Washington D.C. first, then on to Mercer Island - looks like I'll be busy this March!

[Bill5107]

Rock on Belle!

I love to hear about these things.

[hannahw]

This is a great event. I think it usually sells out so if you are considering participating as a runner, you probably want to sign up soon. There's the half marathon (13.1) and a 10K. I think there's also a 1 mile event of some kind. I can't remember what that's about.

I've run it for the last three years. I'm signed up for this year, but I may have a schedule conflict so I'm not sure I'll be able to make it this time around. For people that are interested, it is a well managed event. Good support along the route and safe. The course, at least for someone like me who just runs for fun, is a bit challenging. The last three miles or so have some hills that will make you remember them. I definitely feel like I accomplished something when I finish.

The day before the race, when you pick up your bib number and so forth, there are a bunch of booths set up, some with info and gear for running, but mostly info about colon cancer. Because the event appeals to many people, not just colon cancer survivors, it's a great way of raising awareness about colon cancer for those who have not had colon cancer in their lives.

To be clear, not all the money raised goes to colon cancer charities. The Mercer Island Rotary also uses some of the funds raised to support other charities of their choosing.

[NWgirl]

I've signed up to volunteer but so far they haven't sent me any info. I'm not strong enough to run or even walk the event - but hopefully I'll be there in some supporting role.

[hannahw]

Volunteers are definitely critical for the event. There are so many things that must be done to make a race as big as this work. I'm sure they'll contact you soon.

Something else to note, there's not a ton of parking (although there is a small park and ride nearby, it fills up fast). So if walking a distance is going to be tough, you may either want to arrive early or get dropped off.

[weisssoccermom]

Belle,
Let me know when the event is. BTW - you DO know where Mercer Island is, don't you?????? If you do end up working the event, let's get together and finally meet in person, as you'll be up here in the Seattle area.

Jaynee

[hannahw]

Maybe you should change the title of the thread to include that the run is a fundraiser for Colon Stars? Maybe it's just assumed to involve colon cancer, since it's not labled off topic, but it is specifically a fundraiser for Colon Stars, amongst other organizations that benefit.

[GreenLakeGirl]

I think Anita was planning a ceremony to honor survivors. I'll ask her to pop on and confirm that, since I'm not sure if the plans worked out. If she is, that would be a fun meetup!

I'm torn about whether I will be there. I'd love to because I have normal (non-crc!) friends running the race, but it's also the exact day of my daughter's birthday, so I'm betting we'll be hip deep in fairies and science projects. She was two and a half when I was diagnosed, so it feels nice to be nearing five with kindergarten just around the corner.

[Surroundedbylove]

Hey GLG - we are coming as a family and planning to do the 5K in costume like some of the teams did. How about a fairy princess "team"?

SBL

[NWgirl]

SBL - that sounds too fun! Hopefully we'll be there - I'll PM you, Jaynee and others so we can make sure we get to see each other while we're there.

If I don't end up getting a volunteer position to do something, I'm guessing we won't go - still waiting to hear from someone to give me a job!

[blue girl]

Gang,

Sign up under Colon cancer stars team. They are going to have a survivor room at event. I am bringing the big inflateable colon.Belle you can help me at that booth if you want.
I really want to walk but always end up working but I love the princess idea . I love to dress up.
lets all connect. Any Colon peeps that want to work at the nw womens show on march 3 or 4th let me know.
I am the Washington state Colon girl if you want to know whats happening.
Thanks, Anita april colondar model 2007

[NWgirl]

Anita - that would be great! I'll send you a PM on FB so we can connect - how cool - thanks!

[wombat]

Belle,

Turns out I'm in already in Seattle that weekend. I'm going to do my best to make it and participate in the 5K Get Your Rear In Gear Run. Let me know where you'll be volunteering once you find out, and maybe we can meet up!

Doug

[NWgirl]

Doug - the organizers of the event haven't gotten back to me about my offer to volunteer so at this point I'm planning on hanging out with Anita - helping her where I can. If that changes, I'll let you know.

[Staci's team]

And Doug, I'm so glad that it sounds like you'll have the opportunity to meet Belle sooner rather than later....what a great ambassador to help you as you start your new journey!


Chris