Event to include marathon, half marathon and 5K runs
VANCOUVER — More than 1,500 runners and walkers have registered for this weekend’s PeaceHealth AppleTree marathon/half/5k festival, kicking off with Saturday evening’s Sunset 5k run at 6 p.m.
The PeaceHealth AppleTree marathon/half/5k course features a “Run through history,” starting on historic Officers Row, then winding past Fort Vancouver, Pearson Air Field, the oldest apple tree in the western U.S., and along the Columbia River all the way from Wintler Park to the newly developed Vancouver waterfront area west of the I-5 bridge. The course will bring runners within a few steps of the site of the Pacific Northwest’s very first hospital, founded by Mother Joseph in 1858, which eventually grew and relocated to become today’s PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. PeaceHealth is the event’s title sponsor.
“This event closely aligns with PeaceHealth’s Mission to promote community health and wellness,” said PeaceHealth Chief Executive Sean Gregory. “We had more than 200 of our PeaceHealth colleagues participate last year, and we had a great time and we’re looking forward to an even bigger event this year.”
In addition to entering close to 100 PeaceHealth runners in the marathon/half/5k, more than 150 PeaceHealth volunteers will be on hand to help the event run smoothly, including staffing a wellness tent, water stations, handing out medals and prizes, and providing the Sunday athletes with post-race rollouts from PeaceHealth physical therapists.
The PeaceHealth AppleTree marathon/half/5k is organized by Why Racing Events, and President Sherri McMillan is delighted to have PeaceHealth’s support. “We are ecstatic. When we choose to partner with an organization it’s very important that they mesh with our mission and our vision, and PeaceHealth is all about health and wellness, and serving our community.”
In addition to the fun and challenge of running, participants receive a bounty of swag including, a race medal, a Finishers’ shirt, and a delicious meal and beverages. Partial proceeds from the PeaceHealth AppleTree marathon/half/5k will go to the Police Activities League (PAL) to promote positive relationships between police officers and youth through community-based educational programs and recreational opportunities.
About the course
The AppleTree marathon is two-Loop, spectator-friendly, flat & fast Boston Qualifier. The course map along with online registration is available at peacehealth.org/AppleTree.
Schedule of Events
5k Sunset Run – Sat., Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.
AppleTree Marathon Start – Sun., Sept. 15 at 7 a.m.
AppleTree Half-marathon Start – Sun., Sept. 15 at 8 a.m.
About PeaceHealth
PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities.
Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit online at peacehealth.org.
