RUN TO REMEMBER: Fallen heroes 5K

[Karl Blanchard]

Since Aaron's death I have been trying to deal with the guilt I feel for not doing enough to earn earn the freedoms that I hold so dear, that others sacrifice to give me.  I needed to do more to support our warriors and their families but how?  I am not a rich man, with piles of money to donate to organizations that support our veterans.  So what I needed to do was earn it and raise it with my time.  One of the ideas I came up with was a 5K fun run/walk.  I have done many of these in the past and this last summer a group of us did a Fallen heroes run in Portland.  It was ok but they did a poor job of P.R. and there wasn't more than about 100 people.  I think I can do better.

So here is what I have come up with:  The run is gonna take place in our home town of Selah.  Route is planned out.  High School stage tech has volunteered their time and use of P.A. system.  National Guard is gonna roll in some humvee's and equipment for the kids to climb around on.  My company has donated banners and bottled water.  Still need to line out some food items for after the race.  Also we are gonna sell raffle tickets and hopefully get some kick butt prizes to raffle off. $1 raffle tickets or go more?  Local businesses are already stepping up with donations.  I was thinking $30 gets you in the run and a shirt.  If I can keep the shirts under $10 that is $20 bucks a head that will go straight to the USO and the Fisher House.

I have someone lined up to put the website together but I am stuck on what design to put on the shirt and the website.  Any input from you runners out there or guys and gals who have done their own 5K's would be greatly appreciated.  I want to make this a really fun event to honor our fallen warriors and ones currently serving.  I want people to look forward to doing it again.  I would like this to be an annual event!  There isn't a ton of races in our neck of the woods and with the message and the cause behind it combined with home town support I hope it will be a success!  Thank you in advance for any input you all may have and lets see some logo ideas!!!! -Karl

You can message me here, call me at 509-833-7774 or email me at karl.blanchard83@yahoo.com

[boneaddict]

I really suck at PR, but I would think some coorperate sponsors would be easy to net, such as either one of the two hospitals.  Some local businesses, like BHUC.   To what extent, IDK, even if its advertising???   I have a feeling Selah will respond better than Portland.

[Karl Blanchard]

Also it will be June 21st at noon.  Put it on the calendar and I expect to see at least 10k huntwa members there!

[PlateauNDN]

this sounds like a great idea and would love to try and assist in anyway i can.

[Karl Blanchard]

I really suck at PR, but I would think some coorperate sponsors would be easy to net, such as either one of the two hospitals.  Some local businesses, like BHUC.   To what extent, IDK, even if its advertising???   I have a feeling Selah will respond better than Portland.

Agreed.  My company (Pepsi) has already told me that I can have whatever I need so there is one!  Gonna start pounding on doors heavy as soon as the website is up and running!

[washingtonmuley]

I would make the 4 + hour drive for this. Count me in.

[Karl Blanchard]

I would make the 4 + hour drive for this. Count me in.

  I will keep this thread alive and when the website is functional I will post a link. 

[boneaddict]

Other ideas bouncing in my head.....permit?  coordination with Selah PD or civic, Include police and Fire along with Fallen heroes, get their involvement on the field, (roll in trucks for kids, ladder trucks with hose etc.)    I know you have the date, make sure you aren't bouncing heads with anything else big in the valley such as Yakatack, Midsummer classic, Selah days, Canyon marathon, that sort of thing.  Is the run club still going in Yakima.   Might be big to get their backing

[boneaddict]

Topic Sticky'd 

[jackelope]

Get it on these run event calendars.

http://www.roadracerunner.com/Races/RunningCalendar.aspx?state=wa

http://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/List.aspx?State=WA

[Karl Blanchard]

Other ideas bouncing in my head.....permit?  coordination with Selah PD or civic, Include police and Fire along with Fallen heroes, get their involvement on the field, (roll in trucks for kids, ladder trucks with hose etc.)    I know you have the date, make sure you aren't bouncing heads with anything else big in the valley such as Yakatack, Midsummer classic, Selah days, Canyon marathon, that sort of thing.  Is the run club still going in Yakima.   Might be big to get their backing

Yep your tracking on the same line as me Doug.  We contacted the city you can go through them and they will put it on their website and their insurance but they want a pretty good chunk of change out of every head registered so we told them thanks but no thanks.  We can purchase event  insurance for $300-$400 that will cover us and no permit needed from the city.  I have had several Selah PD and YPD contact me personally to offer their services for the event day, which as far as my google searches go does not clash with anything else around the valley or really the state.  Yakima Hard Core Runners is still around and we have contacted them but they have not been to proactive in helping as of yet but we are on their event calendar I believe.

[jackelope]

I'm in too...keep us in the loop.

[Karl Blanchard]

Topic Sticky'd 

Thanks Doug!

Get it on these run event calendars.

http://www.roadracerunner.com/Races/RunningCalendar.aspx?state=wa

http://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/List.aspx?State=WA

On it right now!  Thanks Josh!

[boneaddict]

 
I'll keep brainstormin, sounds like you are well on your way.


Tshirt design......camo?    emblem.....any graphic design gurus on here willing to hook up with BLR to brainstorm an emblem.  Smossys girl has talent, backwoods boy, though I haven't seen him as of late. 

What are your thoughts of what you want included?   Do you want to include Fire and PD,  Do you want local connection as this is annual in Selah.  Do you want northwest flavor with elk and your brother?   What is the best way to represent fallen heroes? Flag?   

[jackmaster]

when i was in the army 11B (light) 9th INF /2/9 MANCHUS, we use to do a sound to narrows run, we did it as a batalion so that equals alot of troops, we did it formation to cadence, with guidons and everything, it was very impressive to the civilian folks and of course the kids on the sides of the roads, i dont know who you would contact at ft lewis, but i do know there is someone to contact and tell them what your doing who its for and everything, alot of times they will send a company or more to participate in stuff like this, it is a very HONORABLE deal your putting on for your BRO, very awesome indeed and for a GREAT CAUSE