Last year more than 170 entrants took to the Spit Trail for the Migration Run, a 5K USATF-certified event. This year, organizers are hoping to attract 200 participants to the May 10 event that not only occurs during Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, but also takes place on Mother’s Day.
And here’s the thing: You don’t have to be a runner to take part. Reflecting KBRC’s philosophy, walkers and stroller-pushing entrants are welcome.
“The club is for anyone who is interested in a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Jen Booz, KBRC president. “We are here to develop Homer as a community that is runner friendly and encourage members of the community to get out and be active.”
Saundra Hudson, along with Bill Steyer, is coordinating this year’s Migration Run. Hudson also is the club secretary and assistant coach of Homer High School’s track and field and cross country programs. Steyer is a past president of the club and head coach of the HHS programs.
“The high school’s cross country program had been coordinating this run as a fundraiser before I got involved as a coach,” said Steyer. “After KBRC formed several years ago, the board decided to take over the responsibility for coordinating the run, as well as cover liability insurance. Funds now raised by the run are dispersed to various youth-related running activities and programs including high school and middle school running sports programs.”
The shorebird festival offers the perfect inspiration for costumes, although historically participants haven’t limited themselves only to birds that can be spotted around Kachemak Bay.
Bright pink flamingo-like attire can be seen on the starting line, wing-to-wing with puffin costumes and an assortment of other beaked and feathered get-ups. Add the influence of Mother’s Day and who knows, even Mother Goose might make an appearance.
The Kachemak Bay Running Club has about 100 members of all ages, with the current annual membership fee set at $15, according to Richard Burton, club treasurer.
“Being a member supports our efforts to offer fun events for the community,” said Booz, who renewed her interest in running about 12 years ago as a way to get in shape.
Being a member of KBRC also provided Booz an avenue to meet other people with similar interests and become involved in the community of runners.
“Through membership fees, the running club also supports youth and community running programs such as Homer Middle School and Homer High School teams, and West Homer Elementary School’s new ‘marathon’ program,” she said.
The club’s runners and walkers frequently take part in events outside the Homer area.
For instance, the southern peninsula is well represented in the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon and Half-Marathon that occur in Anchorage in June, the Lost Lake Run that benefits those with cystic fibrosis and is held near Seward in August, and the Kenai River Marathon and Half Marathon that take place in September.
In addition to the Migration Run, KBRC sponsors:
• Fun runs, 6 p.m. every Thursday. The weekly events are organized by Heather Albright. During April and May, they begin and end at Alice’s Champagne Palace. June runs will begin and end at Homer Brew.
• Homer Spit Run, “10K to the Bay,” June 27, co-sponsored by South Peninsula Hospital, Homer Community Recreation, Homer News and KBRC.
McKibben Jackinsky is a freelance writer who lives in Homer and Ninilchik. She also is a walking member of the Kachemak Bay Running Club. Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@gmail.com
5K Migration Run
When: 9 a.m. May 10
where: Starting line near the Fishing Hole; finish line at the
base of the Spit
Online registration:
$20 adults, $10 ages 10-17, $5 under 10
Registration on day of event: Additional $5 for each category
Prizes: For fastest male and female in each age category, plus a best-costume prize.
For information and registration:
kachemakbayrunningclub.org
