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Community Corner

Mercer Island Thanksgiving Half Marathon Fun Run

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday.  It is about giving thanks for all that we have and spending time with family.  And for the past 8 years it has also meant a run around the island.  That’s right, for the past eight years a handful of us have gotten together Thanksgiving morning and run a half marathon for fun.

This year we want to make it bigger and support the Mercer Island Youth and Families Services as well. Stu, Dave, and Kevin want to invite anyone up for a 13 mile run to join us at Mercerwood Shore Club at 7:30 AM, Thanksgiving morning.

FAQ

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Is there an entry fee? No. But we ask that you make a small donation to Mercer Island Youth and Families Services to help make Thanksgiving special for others.   Cheryl Manrique of MIYFS suggests: “It would be most helpful if we received the money the week before Thanksgiving to allow us time to get the cards to the families.”  Click here to give.

Will there be water stations? No, this is just a run, you are on your own.  It might rain though. 😉

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Will there be food? No, but it is Thanksgiving, you will be eating a ton later.

Where can I park?  Mercerwood who is known for their community support has graciously offered their parking lot to runners. (No parking in member only spots in front of the building please)

How should I dress? It is winter in the northwest, dress appropriately.  We run rain or shine and even did it in snow a couple years ago.

Will there be medical assistance? No, but do not worry.  It is Mercer Island.  Every third house is a doctor’s.

How fast do we run?  We run at a relaxed, conversational pace so that we can enjoy our time together. Not too fast, but also not slow enough that we miss cooking the turkey.  Stu says we run between 8:30 - 9:00 minute miles.  If you are not comfortable with that pace, bring a friend to run with.  Last year we had 3 MIHS Cross Country runners join us (Teddy, Derek, Adrian), and they ran at a little faster pace.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and we hope to see you out there.

Kevin, Stu, Dave, and Teddy

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