On the move

 

Throughout the year, runners, walkers and cyclists as well as those who enjoy supporting good causes will keep “on the move” with plenty of events in Grant County all year long.

2013 Events:

Gold Rush Run, Saturday, June 8.

In and around historic Canyon City.

The annual 3.1-mile walk or run event kicks off 62 Days, often attracting between 40 and 70 participants. Popular with walkers, its also great for children and beginning runners, and good competition for advanced racers, too. The clink of a gold nugget dropped into a gold pan signals the 7 a.m. start. Call Canyon City City Hall, 541-575-0509 for registration information.

McKalees Walk and Jog, Saturday, June 8. Front of Sels Brewery, Canyon City.

This 9 a.m. walk and jog follows the Gold Rush Run and uses the same 3.1-mile course. This years event is the fifth annual 5K to support the March of Dimes. Register ahead by calling 541-620-0065, or sign up beginning at 8 a.m.

Tough Enough to Wear Pink 5K Run and Walk, Saturday, July 27.

Location to be determined.

This will be the fourth year sisters Wanda Winegar and Charlene Morris have put on the event. Proceeds go to the Blue Mountain Hospital mammography department. Adding to the hopeful mood, many runners, walkers, and even some of their leashed dogs wear pink! For more information, 541-932-4660 or 541-820-3689, jmorris@ortelco.net or barwb@ortelco.net.

Triathlon for Hunger, Saturday, Aug. 24.

Begins in John Day

This is the fifth year for the event which tempts interested triathletes to test and display their skills in three sporting activities. Participants swim for 10 laps, bicycle for 12.4 miles, and run for 3.1 miles. The events main station, where the segments start and finish, is at Gleason Pool/John Day City Park. Proceeds benefit Grant County food banks and hunger-related causes in Africa. For more information, call 541-620-4257, or visit www.triathlonforhunger.com.

The Brothers Run, 5K run and walk.

Sunday, Sept. 8.

Begins and ends at Gleason Pool, John Day.

This is the third year for the benefit run. Half the proceeds go to a Grant Union High School scholarship, established in memory of Taner Gilliam, and the other half to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, in honor of Taners brother A.J. Dickens, who has the disease. Call 541-620-1822 for more information.

Strawberry Family Half-Marathon, 10K and Relay, Saturday, Sept. 28.

Starts in Prairie City and ends in John Day.

The half-marathon starts in Prairie City and finishes at the Seventh Street Complex in John Day. The 10K and Relay begin at the midway point between the towns. A Grant County

tradition, this is the third year for the resurgence of the event, which benefits Families First Parent Resource Center in John Day. Contact: heatherlynnbailey@yahoo.com, for more information.

River Loop Ranch Run & Bike, March, 2014

Rural ranch roads southeast of Prairie City.

From kids on bikes to hardcore runners, the third annual event includes a 5K run, walk or bike ride through scenic and historic ranch country. Proceeds support Humbolt Elementarys Artist-in-Residence program. Participants are urged to dress for the weather, and be prepared for some down-and-dirty racing fun for all ages. Contact Samantha Gerry at 541-575-0454 or gerrys@grantesd.k12.or.us.