Valleyfest, area fun runs, just around the bend

Valleyfest kicks off Sept. 22 with a night parade down Sprague Avenue followed by a weekend filled with entertainment and a logging competition at Mirabeau Point Park.

In addition to the events at the park, the coming weeks also will feature several fun runs on the Centennial Trail for people looking to get outside for a good cause.

•The 24th annual SIDS Foundation of Washington 3-mile fun run and walk takes place at 9 a.m. Sunday. Late registration and T-shirt pickup begins at 8 a.m. at the picnic shelter at Mirabeau Park. Registration costs $25 and is available during the race or before at www.active.com. Children under 12 run free. All proceeds benefit the association that offers support and education to families affected by sudden infant death syndrome.

•The Valleyfest fun run takes place Sept. 23. It will cover 3 miles and starts from the CenterPlace community center at Mirabeau Point Park at 9 a.m. Runners and walkers are encouraged to wear silly costumes, and prizes will be awarded for the three wackiest getups. The run will benefit the Spokane Valley Food Bank, and volunteers will be collecting food and cash donations the day of the event.

For more information, visit www.valleyfest.org or call (509) 922-3299.

•Trailfest 2006, benefiting the Friends of the Centennial Trail, takes place Sept. 24 at Mirabeau Meadows.

At 10 a.m. cyclists will take off on 21-mile or 9-mile scavenger hunts for prizes.

At 10:30 a.m. inline skaters will begin a 6-mile trip to the Barker trailhead and back that will include contests and prizes.

At 10:45 a.m. a 5K run and walk to Plantes Ferry Park and back begins.

There will also be a free bike race for kids 2 to 11 years old at noon, food and door prizes. Participants will be given Trailfest baseball caps.

Registration is available online at www.signmeup.com/54138. Day-of registration is available, and helmets are required for wheeled events. More information is available at www.spokane centennialtrail.org.

•The Y to Y Family Walk takes place 9 a.m. Sept. 30. Teams, families and individuals can sign up to walk 13 miles from the Valley YMCA to the Y downtown. Registration is $5 per team member, and the registration deadline is Sept. 27th. For more information, call Wendy Jackson at 838-3577, ext. 125, for more information.

From Sept. 23 to Sept. 30 the YMCA also will participate in America on the Move. The first 1,000 participants who sign a pledge to walk an extra 2,000 steps and eat 100 fewer calories each day will receive a free pedometer. Register at the Spokane or Valley YMCAs or at www.americaonthemove.org. Use registration code rym65562 and print the confirmation letter to receive the free pedometer.