‘Grin and Bear it Run’ draws nearly 200
The Grin and Bear It Run, presented by Good Teeth, Great Grins (a collaborative effort between Blue Fish Dental and Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry), jump-started the Bend running season in style Saturday with music, fun activities, and fabulous prizes, not to mention three great running events.
This year’s event, a 5- and 10K run-walk, had nearly 200 participants.
Michael Wolber, placed first overall in the 10K men’s with a time of 37:42 and Kathleeen Quinney, placed first overall in the women’s 10K with a time of 47:30. In the 5K event, Anya Katz placed first in the women’s with a time of 24:01 and Jason Colquhoun won the men’s with a time of 18:47
The complete race results are available on the Time 2 Race website at www.Time2Race.com. Runners on the 5 and 10 K course ranged in age from 2 to 71 years.
The one-mile Family Fun Run, also enjoyed its fair share of participants with over 75 kids, parents, and even grandparents participating. And for many children (and even a few adults) this was a first time event.
“The Grin & Bear It continues to be a great outreach and provided wonderful support for our services,” explained Holly Remer, the program’s executive director. Introducing the love of running to community members and families continues to be the heart of this event.
The corporate and team component was again a favorite with Mosaic Medical, for a seventh year, receiving the award for the largest team in attendance.
“Outdoor competitive runs rely heavily on Volunteer support and Healthy Beginnings is fortunate to have such great volunteers involved in their fundraising efforts and screenings as well. Nearly 50 volunteers participated in today’s event,” reported Katie Grantier, who coordinated the volunteer effort. Volunteers came from Bend, Mt. View, Summit, Redmond and Ridgview high schools, OSU-Cascades and community partner agencies.
This year’s event generated nearly $2,000 in prizes and awards and nearly $40,000 in sponsorships and run entries – dollars dedicated to supporting children and families in the community. These proceeds will support three of the 18 community screening clinics Healthy Beginnings offers throughout Central Oregon.
The Grin & Bear It continues to be the largest fundraiser and friend-maker of the year and has grown from a starting point of less than 100 runners in 2003.
“Thanks to such great support from volunteers and the community, this event continues to grow and improve every year as it provides an avenue to showcase the importance of early childhood screening and services,” Remer explained. “Family and community is at the heart of this event and continues to help us reach more children.”
Healthy Beginnings has been successfully providing screenings in Central Oregon since 1994. In these years the program has screened nearly 11,000 children identifying over 8,500 potential concerns.
Healthy Beginnings is one of many programs offered in partnership with the High Desert Education Service District. Additional support is provided by the local school districts, foundations, and local community support. Please visit our website at www.myhb.org for a full listing of screening dates and cities as well as detailed information about our program, volunteer, and donation opportunities.
Healthy Beginnings is a “21 Cares for Kids” partner.
