On June 2, participants in the Serious About Fitness 8K Block Party gathered at Luke McRedmond Landing to kick off the eight-kilometer run/walk along the Sammamish River Trail to the Redhook Brewery in Woodinville. The grassy venue next to the trail offered the perfect place for the first of four challenges in a series of fitness exercises along the 8K path.

Chris Doran, personal trainer, co-owner of Serious About Fitness and event organizer, kicked off the race by thanking sponsors and acknowledging the purpose of the event: “The end goal is to benefit Hopelink.”

Last year, the event raised more than $10,000 for the King County-based nonprofit organization, which serves local families and children who are hungry or homeless.

The event began with a block party at the park; participants stretched and chatted as music played and volunteers set up an obstacle course on the lawn — the first of four challenges to complete before the finish line.

Along the Sammamish Trail, the challenges required participants to do push ups, squats and bench hops, push picnic tables and even flip tires. Said Doran, “It’s more than a run, it’s an hour and 15 minutes of a killer workout.”

More than 40 runners, joggers and walkers of all ages took on the almost-five-mile challenge to Woodinville, before enjoying a finish-line celebration at Redhook. Even mothers pushing their children in strollers participated.

To participate in the next SAF 8K Block Party on Aug. 18, register at www.seriousaboutfitness.net/events. The $50 registration fee benefits underprivileged families through Hopelink.