The new year is here and now it’s time to follow through on your commitment to better health. What better way than to warm the community at the same time by helping local families in financial crisis pay winter heating bills? The Race for Warmth, coming up on Sunday, Jan. 29, is the newest addition to Clark Public Utilities’ Operation Warm Heart fundraising effort and the 10K and 5K run and walk has been a success from its start three years ago.
Since 1985, Clark Public Utilities customers and employees have donated funds to help support Operation Warm Heart. In that time the program has helped more than 11,000 families and given nearly $2.4 million so families in need can stay safe and warm during the winter.
The annual Race for Warmth offers another way to give. The first two races raised a total of $56,000 for the program. And thanks to generous support from local businesses including Area Heating & Cooling, Trane, New Tradition Homes, Burgerville, Columbia Credit Union and many more, every dollar of registration goes straight to Operation Warm Heart.
“Each year we’ve increased participation by hundreds and we’re hoping to have at least a thousand runners and walkers this year,” said Maxie Lofton, who heads the event for the utility. “Word has definitely spread in the community and we have gotten extremely positive feedback from competitive runners as well as people who come out just for fun and to do something good.” Last year, more than 900 runners and walkers cruised the 5- and 10-kilometer courses.
To register, just go to RaceForWarmth.com between now and Jan. 28 and sign up. Adult registration is $30 online or $40 in person on race day (please allow extra time for same-day sign-ups). In addition to a long-sleeve performance shirt and drawstring race bag filled with donated goodies and snacks from local businesses, the first 500 online sign-ups will also receive a “fandana” from Area Heating and Cooling Inc. Anyone signing up late cannot be promised a shirt in their preferred size. Kids ages 2-8 can also sign up online to run the free kids race.
The course has changed slightly this year but still takes 10K runners along the Vancouver waterfront and 5K runners and walkers in a loop through downtown. The courses have been designed using participant feedback and make for a fun, safe family event.
Race times are staggered and the events are timed. Kids take to the starting line at 8:30 a.m. The Clark College penguin mascot will lead them on a 400-meter run around the Clark Public Utilities parking lot at 1200 Fort Vancouver Way, on an enclosed route. Each child will receive a participation award and goodie bag. The 5- and 10K events will both begin at 9 a.m.
“The Race for Warmth also features a ‘Sleep in to Stay Warm’ choice for anyone who’d like to help, but isn’t up for a morning walk or run in crisp winter weather,” said Lofton.
If you’d prefer to stay warm and cozy at home, but still want to help, you can still make a tax-deductible contribution to Operation Warm Heart at RaceForWarmth.com.
After the race, all participants are invited to an after-party and award presentation with a free pint of beer from Trusty Brewing and soup donated by Chuck’s Produce for each racer.
More than a hundred utility employees volunteer their time to raise money for Operation Warm Heart and work as flaggers, course marshals, and event helpers during the race.
“This event is close to all of our hearts because every single dollar we raise goes right back to families who need help,” said Lofton. “Holding the race in the winter is one way we remind people how important heat is, and what a big difference Operation Warm Heart makes in the community. We hope it’s our best year yet!”
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98688.
