A 5K, a 10K, a kids’ dash — the Brave Run is back Saturday, May 17 in Banks, a decade-long tradition briefly interrupted by the pandemic, and reborn in 2022 as a fundraiser for the Banks High School Parents Association.
The walk/run event, which begins at the Banks High School track, is open to online pre-registration through Thursday, and runners can sign up in person the day of the event starting at 7 a.m. as well.
A Facebook event with more information is also available.
The free kids dash begins at 8:30 a.m., and at 9 a.m. the 5k and 10k run/walk begins. The course runs from the track, up Trellis Way and Main Street/Highway 47, then on to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, where the halfway points will be clearly marked for the 5k and 10k. Runners and walkers then return to the starting point.
Prices:
Adult 5k: $30
Adult 10k: $40
Student 5k: $20
Student 10k: $25
A virtual race is $30 and an optional $15 t-shirt is available as well.
The proceeds go to the Banks High School Parents Association, which uses the funds for scholarships and for one-off projects to benefit various programs and events at the high school.
The event also doubles as a way for students to get volunteer hours to qualify for Association scholarships, which require that students be involved in the organization to be eligible, said Angi Lyda in a phone call with the Banks Post.
Lyda heads the organization’s publicity efforts.
On Tuesday, nearly 90 people were signed up for the race, Lyda said.
Winners get a medal made by student fabricators at the Banks High School, with Ireland Law paying for them.
In addition to the funds raised from sign-ups, businesses have stepped up to sponsor the event. At the top is Lyda Excavating. Two other main sponsors include Tendercare Dental and Peak Chiropractic, while a series of local companies rounded out the list of donors to the event.
Lyda also noted the contributions of the event volunteers, including Banks High School Principal Jacob Pence and other school staff.
“Our administration goes out of the way,” Lyda said. “We couldn’t do this without their help.”
Chas Hundley is the editor of the Banks Post and sister news publications the Gales Creek Journal and the Salmonberry Magazine. He grew up in Gales Creek and has a cat.
