I
t can be tough to make it through a Southwest Washington winter without feeling a little cooped up. If you’re ready to get your blood pumping, mark your calendar for the upcoming Clark Public Utilities Race for Warmth.
The Race for Warmth is a 5K walk/run and 10K run that directly supports Operation Warm Heart, a Clark Public Utilities donation-funded charitable program that helps families in financial crisis pay their heating bills. Every dollar of race registration goes directly to supporting our community members in need.
“Operation Warm Heart can be a lifeline for folks in financial crisis who may not qualify for other assistance programs,” said Clark Public Utilities Marketing and Events Specialist Maxie Mayer. “Over the years I’ve met people who joined the race because Operation Warm Heart was there for them during a financial hardship and, after getting back on their feet, they wanted to give back.”
This year marks the sixth year of the Race for Warmth. What started with a few hundred participants has become a community institution and a favorite of seasoned racers and casual strollers alike. Last year’s race attracted nearly 1,500 people, raising more than $66,000 in registration fees and on-site donations.
The day kicks off with a kids race, which begins at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 26 at Clark Public Utilities’ downtown location, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. The timed 5K walk/run and 10K run begin at 9 a.m. and 9:05 a.m., respectively.
Early registration is $30 and open now at www.raceforwarmth.com. Early registrants will get a performance shirt, a race bag filled with goodies, access to an on-site after-party with free donated snacks and beverages, as well as a free beverage of choice at the after-after-party at Heathen Brewing Feral Public House. Same-day registration is available for $40 from 7 to 8:30 a.m., but complimentary bags and shirts are not guaranteed.
For a course map and event details, visit the race website.
If running isn’t your thing — especially on a chilly winter morning — you can do your part by opting to “sleep in to stay warm” and make an easy, online, tax-deductible contribution to Operation Warm Heart. To find the donation form, visit www.raceforwarmth.com/Home/Donate.
Since 1985, Operation Warm Heart has provided nearly $3.6 million to more than 14,000 customers. While many Clark Public Utilities customers, employees and local businesses contribute year-round to support the program, the Race for Warmth is by far the program’s largest fundraising event of the year. In the last five years, the race alone has generated more than $200,000 for local families in financial crisis.
“This event draws a unique blend of competitive runners who appreciate that the race is professionally timed, running alongside families and folks of all ages and abilities,” Mayer said. “And everyone working at the race, from course flaggers to our registration crew, is a utility employee volunteer committed to growing Operation Warm Heart, so we all look forward to this event at the start of each year and hope to see even more of our customers out on the course.”
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 98668.
