The 3rd Annual Talkeetna Fun Run & Walk for Kids and Families

5 year-old Bethany Kehoe (above) participates in the 2010 Fun Run/Walk

On Sunday, October 3- with some much appreciated help from family and friends- I continued what's becoming a fall tradition, the Talkeetna Fun Run and Walk for Kids and Families. Three years ago I organized the first event- a fun, un-timed recreational run/walk- as a way to give back to the community that raised, nurtured and supported me throughout my formative years. Each subsequent year the event has grown, with sixty people taking part in the 2010 run/walk.

It was a gorgeous autumn afternoon in the Upper Susitna Valley, complete with yellow leaves, blue sky and sunshine. Participants, ranging in age from infant to adult, ran/walked either a 3 miles course or an out-and-back one mile through the Talkeetna Lakes Park.

The event was preceded by a group stretch at the trail head of the Talkeetna Lakes Park

One of the youngest participants takes a look at the prize table.

Great prizes and refreshments greeted runners and walkers at the end of the event thanks to generous donations from PowerBar, Great Harvest Bread Company, and Skinny Raven Sports. Participants enjoyed cookies, energy bars, and sports drink. Every kid was able to take home a prize, two families took home loaves of Great Harvest bread for their participation, and one family won the Great Harvest gift basket in the post-run/walk drawing.

Despite the short duration of my stay in Talkeetna, it was a wonderful trip and a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and family. Every time I visit I'm overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of support for me. I am so grateful for the interest in my athletic pursuits and the unfailing encouragement from the Talkeetna community.

In addition, it's exciting to see the new construction of trails throughout the area and community members making such great use of them. I feel so fortunate to call such a wonderful, active, inspired community my home!

A huge thanks to everyone who participated in the 2010 Talkeetna Fun Run and Walk for Kids and Families. An additional thanks to PowerBar and to Great Harvest Bread Company and Skinny Raven Sports in Anchorage for donating prizes and refreshments. Last, but not least, thanks to my mom, Karen, for helping to organize and set-up for this event every year. I look forward to another great event next fall. Until then, see you out on the trails!