Fitness Expo Popular With Runners

<< Back to archives | Saturday, September 17, 2005

Runners get free massages at the Fitness Expo, sponsored by Fairhaven Fitness, a block down Harris Avenue at the Bellingham Tennis Club. In the background are the many tables with health and therapy professionals available to discuss the many fitness services available in Fairhaven.

Harris Avenue, 8:45 on a Saturday morning, and over 600 people from about ages 14 to 70+ are ready to run over 9 miles - 15 kilometers. What a tribute to our attitude towards life in the Northwest - and to the organizing of Steve Roguski of Fairhaven Runners and to the help of about 60 volunteers. The bicyclist is not in the way - he will lead the runners on the route.

They come streaming uphill and past the over 100-year-old historic buildings at 10th and Harris. Those who could run faster were placed in the front of the crowded starting line.

And while they ran, these two gals set up the high-tech finish line. Runners wore a Velcro bracelet on their ankle with a computer chip attached. As each ran over the carpet of the finish line, the computer clocked their exact time for the run.

Coming back into Fairhaven along the 10th Street trail, the runners are within 100 yards of the finish line next to the Village Green. In the background, the new Village Books building overlooks the Green.

The finish line - a well ordered confusion. The gal in the bright yellow cap is just finishing. The signs across the way advertise Mizuno running shoes - one of the sponsors of this great race and walk.

Food. Free food for all the runners, courtesy of local businesses, was spread out on tables on the Village Green.

Starting the awards ceremony down at the Tennis Club are Steve Roguski of Fairhaven Runners at left and Robin Robertson of Fairhaven Fitness.

Jamie Vanbeek was the first woman to finish and received this wild glass sculpture of a wave as a trophy. Renaissance Celebration and glass artist David Wight together donated this breaking-wave trophy, plus a second one for the winning men’s runner, John Collins. Both are Bellingham residents.

We won’t show all the other winners, but you can check all the results at Fairhaven Runners 15K results page. It was a great day - and will be repeated a year from now. And this photographer intends to be running in it.

Visit our Gallery at 901 Harris Avenue. Hundreds of rugs on display.

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