Better than a Green Apple Quick Step

What could be more fun than an easy 4-mile run (or walk or hobble) through the lush, undulating terrain of GreenBluff ? Watching people compete for a Pit Spit title, that’s what!

Tomorrow marks the 32 ^nd Annual Cherry Pickers Trot & Pit Spit and I’m finally going to give it a go. For years my friend Nita has been trying to get me out there, but until just recently I was allergic to running. Oh, and I haven’t been a fan of eating fruit since birth, so, really, why would I go?

Well, I’ve managed to overcome my running allergy (high blood pressure and a closet filled with fat pants will do that to a girl) and have acquired a doctor’s note that says I’ll throw up if I have to ingest anything that comes directly from a tree, so I think I’m ready.

The fun starts at 5:30 with the cherry pit-spitting contest. The current women’s record distance is 32’ 9”, and the men’s record is 49’ 4”. Impressive. I double dog dare you to try a longer spit.

A BBQ Hamburger Dinner starts at 5:30, too, with proceeds from the grill going to the GreenBluff community fire station.

There’s a free Tot Trot at 6:30 for kids 5 and under, and then at 7 the big kids take off for the Cherry Pickers Trot. The run is sanctioned by USA Track & Field, but walkers (and, obviously, trotters) are welcome. You have to be registered to run, but you can sign up tomorrow after 5, before the race. Did I mention it’s only $5?

Live music, pony rides and prizes will surely make this a night to remember, for the entire family. Plus, the cherry trees are heavy with fruit that’s ripe for the picking, so plan to take a bag or two home (go ahead, you can have mine). If you’re too wiped after the run to worry about carting home the freshest produce around, no worries. Come back during the weekend for the Cherry Festival .

Sweet!

GreenBluff is about 30 minutes north of downtown Spokane, off Hightway 2. Head east on Day Mt. Spokane Road and you’ll find it.