On June 6 Positive Ally, an after-school leadership program in Redmond Ridge, will host its fourth semi-annual 5k Fun Run.
At Positive Ally’s previous fun runs, up to 175 people have attended — no matter the weather.
The race begins at 8:30 a.m., at the Redmond Ridge Commons Park at 10315 Cedar Park Crescent N.E. Registration is online at www.positiveally.com.
“We want to be involved in our community in ways that promote healthy living. Fitness is a huge part of our after-school programming, so extending this into our community was a natural step for us,” said Celina Williams, community outreach manager for Positive Ally.
Positive Ally’s fourth- and fifth-grade students conduct a running club in the fall, as part of Positive Ally’s emphasis on health and wellness for its students. The first year, the group did a race in Seattle, but with that came the hassles of commuting and parking.
“We thought, ‘Why not just host one here, instead?’” said Aman Narula, founder and owner of Positive Ally.
What started as a simple need for Positive Ally students and their families has grown into a community event.
“We hosted the first in December of 2013,” said Narula. “It was freezing, but about 100 people still came out. I think that shows that the community wants these kinds of activities right here. Our numbers have only grown since. We are expecting a turnout of 350 people this time.”
The 5K route is unofficial, but takes two laps around Redmond Ridge. Participants have the option of doing just one or two loops, which makes the event really accessible for all levels of runners, walkers and rollers.
After the run, families stick around chatting, taking refreshments and taking race photos. Some kids, boundless in their energy, play a game of pick up soccer.
“The fun run is a great way to promote and support an active lifestyle for our students and their families. We’re always looking for ways to engage and innovate in our community,” said Narula.
Positive Ally serves about 120 families in the Redmond and Sammamish communities through its after school and summer programs. The summer program begins June 22.
