By Ian M. Lange

Stop the presses!  Get off the couch! This year, due to overwhelming popular demand, your race directors have added a one-mile family romp for all ages. Run, and/or walk the one mile, or run either the 10K (6.2 miles) or 5K (3.1 miles) distances, or walk 5K. All events will start promptly at 8:30 a.m. on July 4, from Islander’s Bank. Enjoy the day and get exercise too while helping Lopez Lions Club community causes. All proceeds go to local nonprofit organizations which include: Lopez School District programs and trips, vision assistance, Lopez Family Resource Center, Lopez Cemetery Association and Lopez Island Prevention Coalition.

Race day registration for the 33rd annual event starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 8:10 a.m. sharp; the race starts and finishes  at Islander’s Bank.  Beat  the crowds and register early for $5 less on Monday, July 2, or Tuesday, July 3, noon to 4 p.m. at the new Lopez Village Market.  An emailed registration form may also be obtained by calling the Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce at 468-4664, or pick one up at the ferry landing, Lopez Village Market, Holly B’s, or at Islandale. As usual, a collector tee shirt may be purchased for $10. Prizes will be awarded for the first three places in each age division: 5K and 10K events and  also for the overall first male and female one mile finishers.

See you there;  bring family and friends to help us surpass last year’s $4,500. This will allow the Lopez Lions Club to increase its awards to those great “Friendly Isle” causes and organizations.

Questions? Contact Jerry Hancock: jerryhancock@rockisland.com or Ian Lange: ianlange@rockisland.com.