Family 5K Fun

Yesterday we hosted the 6th annual Fairgrounds 5K Fun Run and Walk on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. While the skies were overcast the temperature was in the upper 40s, which isn't bad for a November day. We had over 400 people signed up for the race -either 5K, walk or kids' run. Though that number was down from last year, the people that came out had a good time. I particularly enjoyed watching the families, especially those with young children participating in the Chase the Cow Kids' Run.  And kudos to our "cow" runner, Hailey. It's not an easy task to run with little kids while you're wearing a cow costume!

What made my day is being able to have my children help with the event too. Bryce, my 5 year-old, arrived with me at 8:00 a.m. to help put out the directional signs and stock refreshments. Alex, age 3, arrived later with my husband. Both road with me on the "sag wagon" during the race and then helped take down signs and clean up afterward. It's nice to have them participate, learn about volunteering and work that is fun; just being part of a team working together toward a common goal. And I wasn't the only one with my kids helping, quite a few of our volunteers were family groups of one kind or another. So, mark your calendar for next year's Fairgrounds Fun Run and Walk, set for November 3, 2013 and make it a new family event, whether you run, walk or volunteer.