By Mary Owen
The starter’s pistol goes off for two Stayton runs this month: the fourth annual Stayton River Run and third Stayton K9 Run.
“We are excited about this year’s run,” said Tirzah Hawkins of Where to Start Fitness, sponsors of the Stayton K9 Run that lets participants walk or run a 5K or 9K.
“We love this event because it is dog and family friendly.”
The run starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 at Where to Start Fitness, 370 N. Second Ave. Courses are beginner to intermediate in level and include street and trail running.
“For the first time, we will have chip timing to ensure you get the most accurate tine for your run,” Hawkins said.
Prizes will be given to the top three finishers in each distance, she added.
“We have lots of sponsors providing prizes and items for the first 300 registrants’ goodie bags. Our tech shirts are stylish and fun.”
A local health fair for dogs and people will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on race day. All dogs will require proof of rabies vaccination and must be kept on a leash (no flexi-leads). Only one dog per person, and the dog must not be aggressive or in heat. Free dog food samples and complimentary nail clippings will be held for the dogs, and chair massages for people.
“We will also have clothing from Break the Chain and produce from Fresh to You,” Hawkins said. “Businesses have really stepped up with sponsoring the run and providing loot for our swag bags.”
Proceeds from the run go to support the Stayton Police Department’s K9 program.
“Our K9 program has been vital in helping us bridge the gap between the department and our community,” said Officer Paul Eves, handler for Brodie, Stayton’s only K9 police dog. “Everybody loves dogs, so when people see a brown, floppy-eared dog named Brodie, it always brings a smile to their faces.”
And, of course, Brodie helps with police work.
“Our biggest need right now is a new K9 patrol vehicle,” he said. “We recently obtained a donated Chevy Tahoe from Woodburn PD, but it came with high mileage and has been a work in progress to get it up and running.”
Eves said the main purpose for an SUV is to have a split cage, one half for Brodie and the other half for prisoner transport.
“Our first K9 vehicle did not have a prisoner transport, so when I worked graveyard, I would have to call someone or ask another agency to do the transport. This took time and money. Having an SUV would help with this situation.”
To participate in the K9 Run, sign up online at wheretostartfitness.com/k9run. Day of race registration starts at 9 a.m. Cost to register is $20 to support Brodie and the Stayton Police K9 Unit.
Stayton River Run
Sponsored by Stayton Elementary School, the Stayton River started three years ago to accomplish multiple goals.
“First of all, as active parents, we wanted to encourage physically healthy lifestyles for our students, families and community members,” said spokesperson Sara Trott. “Secondly, we felt the River Run would help to strengthen the relationship between the school and community by giving them an event to participate in together. Also money raised at the River Run helps us maintain the Cheetah Path at the school. We installed the exercise path with different workout stations to promote physical activity in our community.”
The run also helps the SES Parent-Teacher Club raise money to support students and staff at Stayton Elementary.
“Money raised helps stock classrooms with needed supplies and bringing in enrichment learning opportunities for all students,” Trott said.
About 200 people, ages 2 to 81, participated in last year’s River Run, and more are expected this year. The run starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 25 at SES, 875 N. Third Ave. Registration starts at 8 a.m. at the covered playground, or register online at staytonptc.org.
The event offers a 5K, 10K and 1-mile kid’s run. Children 12 and under run free, thanks to sponsorships from area businesses. The entry fee for runners 13 and older is $10. T-shirts are $15 each, and can be ordered online or purchase on race day. Ribbons will be given out to all age group winners and for all finishers in the kid’s run. For information or to register, visit www.staytonptc.org.
