Turkey trot is everywhere in the country. Leavenworth held its own special pre-feast event on Thanksgiving, namely Fowl Play 5k. This family-friendly game/fun run has entered its 7th year. It is a fundraising event for the Cascade High School Tennis Team and this year's UV MEND fundraising event. Marcia Smith, Cascade School District (CSD) Human Resources Coordinator and former tennis coach, founded the event in 2014.

I am lucky to have tennis mom Kathy Flodin and Kodiak Booster Club member Christal Eshelman to help me realize this idea. The number of participants in the race/fun running activities that started and ended in Leavenworth Pavilion has been increasing over the years.

"We had about 45 people in our first year, and last year was the largest, with about 150 people," Smith said. "A few years ago, we lowered the entrance fee, our profits fell, but our participation increased. The more the better!"

The course first drives northeast, then returns and passes through Waterfront Park, Blackbird Island and Magic Park. After climbing the mountain from Enchantment Park, the racer ran across a few blocks of streets before reaching the finish line on the last section of Highway 2 and Front Street.

It is less than 5k, so runners can be excited about their fast completion time. As for the weather, Smith said, "We have seen everything. I remember it rained heavily when I woke up the morning of the game, but at 8 o'clock in the morning, the rain stopped! A sunny year, the most beautiful day, but around 20 degrees. We The stadium also snowed for a year."

Today, Smith and Mark Hasinger (a fourth-grade teacher and CHS tennis coach director), together with their spouse, other family members and a few friends, do all the logistics for hosting Fowl Play 5k. "We did this for fun!" Smith said. Despite being low-key and taking selfies, Fowl Play 5k still won generous prizes thanks to generous commercial sponsors, including existing Blewett Brewing, Mike West Realty, Gustavs, Black Swan, Schocolat, J5, A Book for All Seasons And Cashmere Valley Bank.

Runners and walkers are welcome, and the money has been supporting the tennis team over the years, they will feel very happy. "Some of the past purchases were for courts, ball machines, stands, canopies, uniforms and benches for sports youth tennis training camps," Smith said. "This year we hope to share our profits with community non-profit organizations." CHS tennis is a mixed spring sport for men and women. "Tennis is a game that anyone can play," Smith explained. "Not many kids grew up playing tennis, but they can come out as freshmen, have fun, become part of the team and be successful. It's not as aggressive as other sports, but it can be very competitive Many children like the laid-back nature of the sport, there are no referees, no yelling or guidance in the game."

Anyone who wants to participate in Fowl Play 5k this year can sign up in EventBrite or in person on the day of the event. The registration time is 8:30 am, and the competition starts at 9 am. Fowl Play 5k will continue to be popular because it is well organized, is a great way to express gratitude for health, and is a fun activity for families together.