Fun run for a fun cause

   The 3rd Annual Terry Bonny Fun Run and Walk is set to take place July 20th, in conjunction with Bald Eagle Days.  This fun run and walk is for a fun cause; to support the Wahkiakum Track and Field team.  It is organized and run by high school track coach Tina Merz who is a veteran track coach to the program.  This year’s theme for Bald Eagle Days is “Wings Over Wahkiakum,” which will be adopted by the fun run on a sky-blue T-shirt and our track Mule mascot sporting the iconic winged running gear.

    When asked how the fun run came about, Merz shared, “Terry Bonny was the Track and Field coach for years at Wahkiakum High and was a well-loved mentor by so many.”  The race is in his honor, as he loved the program and would love to see it thriving. In 2023, the Fun Run and Walk raised $1500.

     The race begins at 7:00 am, starts at the marina and ends on Main Street.  There are four divisions to participate in: 5K walk, 5K run, 2 mile walk or 2-mile run.  Divisions are for adults and youth with prizes being awarded to the first-place winners.  All participants get sporty sky-blue tees.

     The beautiful morning event loops from the marina to Puget Island and back to Main Street. 

Check-in is at 6:15 am- 6:45 am. Registration is $25 for adults and $15 for 12 and under if registration is completed by July 1st.  After that, fees raise $5 per division.  This gives ample time to order T-shirts for all participants. 

     Proceeds from the annual event go to support the Wahkiakum track program which needs upgraded equipment, uniforms and field repair.  Currently, the school is working on a Community Wellness grant to resurface the damaged track and replace the lighting with Community Outdoor Athletic Facilities funds. This capital funding grant does not, however, cover the cost of needed equipment for the program.

     It isn’t just the athletic teams that benefit from the beautiful track we have.  At any given time one can find community members walking the track and enjoying its convenient location.  It offers our community seniors a safe, flat walking place and has a steady flow of active walkers and runners that use it daily. Ongoing support for the track team is much appreciated by the athletes as well as community members that benefit from its use.

     Join us for this year’s Fun Run and Walk as we commemorate Terry Bonny’s contribution to the track program and celebrate wings over Wahkiakum during Bald Eagle Days on July 20th. Registration can be completed by contacting Tina Merz at tinamerz224@gmail.com.