Hundreds in Redmond brave cold for ‘fun run’

Hundreds braved the cold temperatures Saturday morning for a fun run in Redmond.

The third annual Polar Bear Fun Run was held at St.Thomas Academy.

The run kicked off at 10 a.m. and nearly 200 people took part.

The start and finish of the race was at the academy — but the trail went all the way through the Dry Canyon.

One runner told us they were participating for the first time because she was just going to embrace winter and be at peace with it.

“It’s just an awesome event — I love running,” said Linda Fisher-Berlanga. “I love being with the community, and it’s a challenge to be out here in the zero degrees.”

While the sign at the Redmond Bank of the Cascades said 18 degrees at 10 a.m., it sure felt like zero to many participants.

The run is a fundraiser for St. Thomas Academy and goes to educational materials.

The event raised more than $13,000 — which is about the same amount raised last year.

Those participating in the fun run were also treated to a Wellness Expo inside St. Thomas Academy.

Runners, walkers and the general community met with local health, fitness and beauty experts from our area. And there was a variety of different professionals.

Organizers said it was a great way to kick off a healthy new year if people haven’t already, as well as to meet businesses or organizations they may not have known were available in the community.

“Meeting new local vendors and just awareness of what’s available in our community,” said Anna Contreras, the expo organizer.

Organizers said it was nice having the new space at the academy available to host the expo, and they wanted to tie-in the health aspect with the fun run.