Kids Run offers healthy competition

The donated running shoes didn’t drive 8-year-old Cory Dahl to the finish line on Saturday. It was his determined spirit.

The new white and blue Nikes “definitely helped me run faster,” he said after his mile-long run.

Cory and his sister, 6-year-old Ryann, were among 3,100 kids who participated in America’s Kids Run, formerly Junior Bloomsday, on Saturday at Joe Albi Stadium.

The brother and sister, whose family is being assisted by Spokane Neighborhood Action Program’s transitional housing, were among five children in the SNAP program whose participation in the event was sponsored by America’s Kids Run.

Mike Erwert, founder of the event, said it was the first time they’d asked children from the SNAP program to participate. They waived the $10 entry fee and bought a new pair of Nikes for each child.

“The sponsorship made this event possible” for Cory and Ryann, said mother Lana Dahl. Extra money isn’t easy for the family to come by.

SNAP spokeswoman Robin Waler said, “They (America’s Kids Run) were so gracious to do this.

“For us to see our families participate means people are recognizing it’s important to include the homeless in activities,” she said. “So often they are ostracized.”

It helps build the kids’ confidence, she added.

SNAP’s goal of helping children have more self-esteem is one shared by America’s Kids Run organizers.

Erwert said the annual run also provides an exercise opportunity for kids in a safe environment, and instills independence. Parents aren’t allowed on the track, and for many children it’s their first time doing something without their mom or dad right at their side.

It was the event’s 20th anniversary, and more than 15,000 people were in attendance to watch.

“Having that many people cheer you on is a dream come true,” Cory said.

Kids, 5 to 12 years old, ran courses from a half mile to 1½ miles long. Separate runs for middle school-age children and those in wheelchairs were also held.

Cory’s age group, the 8-year-olds, was the largest to hit the starting line.

The Regal Elementary School second-grader said he’s been training for the event since April 1 by running with other children at school.

Cory’s advice to those planning to participate in the future is to do the same, because it made it easier.

“I was jogging and I got ahead of most of them,” he said. “They were slowpokes.”

Ryann wasn’t as disciplined about preparing for Saturday’s event.

“I’m going to try and run fast,” she said before her half-mile run.

Her rosy cheeks and satisfied grin as she crossed the finish line were proof she’d followed through.

With her head held high, slapping high fives of every America’s Kids Run volunteer in her path, Ryann marched in her new white and pink Nikes all the way back to where her mom was seated in the stadium.

Ryann hugged her mom saying, “I wanted to win,” to which her mom replied, “You’re always a winner, kid.”

Each America’s Kid Run participant received a logo T-shirt and a 20th anniversary commemorative red, white and blue wristband fashioned after the yellow Lance Armstrong wristbands.

Cory said the shirt and wristband were his favorite parts of the race, in addition to getting new shoes.

Admiring his wristband Cory said, “I’ll wear it until it snaps.”