Event for kids sets active tone
Tiffany Degenhart got the runner’s bug in 1986 when she competed in Junior Bloomsday as a sixth-grader. She’s now married with children of her own. Three-year-old Tyson and his 18-month-old sister, Maggie, were initiated into the runners’ world Saturday morning at Riverfront Park when they took part in Bloomsday’s first Marmot March, a 1.2 mile non-competitive walk/run for children in first grade or younger.
The event is sponsored by the Lilac Bloomsday Association. The purpose is to encourage kids to be physically active, promote walking and jogging as enjoyable activities, and create another fun, family activity on Bloomsday weekend.
Most of the little ones traveled in strollers; some rode on their dads’ shoulders.
By participating in the Marmot March, Degenhart said she and her husband, Yukon, are able to share their love of running with their children.
“I think we’re really lucky to live in a community that puts on Bloomsday, Hoopfest, the Lilac Parade and Pig Out in the Park,” Degenhart said.
The kids also had a chance to meet and have their photos taken with Riverfront Park’s mascot, Marty Marmot; the Spokane Shock’s mascot, Shox the Fox; the Spokane Indians’ mascot, Otto; the Spokane Chiefs’ mascot, Boomer; Ciggy Butz, an anti-smoking mascot; and Miss Spokane Outstanding Teen, Emily Roll.
There were 141 children registered for the event. They picked up their T-shirts ahead of time, along with special paints so they could decorate the shirts and wear them at the walk.
Sean Self, a first-grader at St. Mary’s School, got up early so he could color his T-shirt before breakfast. Sean said he had to pace himself because he also had a soccer game later in the day.
His grandmother, Peggy Self, came from Rathdrum to take him to the event.
“I think it’s great to have things like this for kids. This way they see a healthy lifestyle rather than just sitting on the daveno,” said Self.
Sean’s aunt, Jeri Self Merritt, agreed. “It’s not competitive. It’s just fun for them. It gives them a chance to participate without their parents dragging them through Bloomsday.”