Runner Goes For 10th Straight Jr. Bloomsday
Travis Newby retires this year, but the 12-yearold plans to finish on his feet.
The Canfield Middle School sixth-grader has run every Junior Bloomsday since the race started in 1986. This year’s April 15 race will be Travis’ last, because next year he will be too old. He wants to win.
“I like to run,” Travis said at the race’s news conference Wednesday. “I have lots of extra energy. I get in trouble sometimes.”
Children from ages 5 to 12 will run loops of between 1/2 mile and 2 miles on the Albi Stadium course. Entry forms are available at all Spokanearea Albertsons. The entry fee is $2, and on-time entries must be postmarked by midnight April 1.
Organizers of the 10th anniversary race want to break the race’s participation record of 10,700, said Dan Petek, volunteer coordinator. The race already is the largest children’s race in the country.
“We would like to break the 11,000 barrier,” Petek said.
On Wednesday, the organizers announced two new programs. One will give up to $1,000 in playground equipment to qualifying schools. The other is a plan to build several kids’ playgrounds in the Spokane area.
Schools that enter the equipment contest by March 15 will be divided into six enrollment categories based on enrollment size.
The schools with the largest percentage of finishing kids will win up to $1,000 in equipment, including soccer balls, basketballs, bats, softballs and playground balls.
Their gym teachers will win $50 and $100 gift certificates for dining at restaurants.
“We’ve kind of sweetened the offer for them,” Petek said.
Junior Bloomsday organizers also hope to raise money and donations to break ground on one playground this year and on several in the next few years. Each playground would have two basketball areas, a roller hockey area and a running track.
The playgrounds, to be surfaced with the soles of worn-out running shoes, will be for children 12 and younger.
“If we can give something back to the Spokane community, that’s what we want to do,” Petek said.