NyECC readying for H.O.P.E. Fun Run

Great scenery and hopefully clear skies will serve as the backdrop for the 2016 H.O.P.E. Fun Run/Walk, sponsored by NyE Communities Coalition next month.

The event serves as a fundraiser for substance abuse prevention programs in the community.

Tammi Odegard, the coalition's workforce director, said this year the event opens a new chapter in the ongoing effort to keep the valley's youth drug-free.

"In the past we have had grants that paid for a majority of that but those grants are no longer in existence," she said. "We still want to provide that program for the kids. With this event, hopefully we can raise enough money to continue those programs. The funds we raised go to providing prevention programs for the local communities."

The H.O.P.E. Fun Run is a one-mile walk, or a 5k or 10k run or walk. The acronym stands for "Healthy, Organizations, People & Environments."

Mountain Falls Golf Course is the venue for the eighth annual event.

Odegard said the event is scheduled for 8 a.m., adjacent to the clubhouse.

"Everybody will start at once, no matter which race you're doing," she said. "On the course we will have the sheriff's office, as well as the auxiliary units keeping everyone safe, so it will be a good safe place for kids to run."

Odegard noted that every mile, runners will have notations to let them know which route to take for that particular run.

There will also be water stations throughout the course, which is well-marked to direct the runners.

"The course is very walker-friendly," she said. "If people want to walk the entire race, that's perfectly fine. If they want to push the stroller, that's fine too. Mountain Falls has great scenery."

Those interested in participating can register until up to 15 minutes of the start time.

Odegard said those who want to save a few dollars can register by March 1, to receive a discount.

"It's $35 for adults or $25 for kids and if you register by March 1st, you get $10 off," she said. "If you sign up with a team of five or more, you get $10 off. There will be a big prize this year called the Hope Cup and that's going to be for the team with the most participants. The winner gets to keep the cup for one year. I think it will be a hotly-sought-after award and I expect it to be pretty competitive."

Multi-level sponsorships, Odegard said, are also offered.

"Sponsors can provide all different levels of sponsorships," she said. "Everyone who participates is going to receive a swag bag. If you want to include items promoting your business or organization, that's something that we can do. If you want to be a sponsor and have your name on T-shirts that everyone will receive, I'll need to have all the information by March 1st."

The Hope Run supports what's known as Red Ribbon Week in area schools, providing substance abuse prevention efforts to more than 5,000 kids.

"We're hoping to raise at least $5,000, which will allow us to continue doing the same work that we've done," Odegard said.

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com.