The winter can be tough: less daylight, cold temperatures, and sometimes dangerous conditions of ice and snow. On top of that, the food we eat might be less fresh, more processed, out of season, and less nutritious. All over the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, people are cooped up inside and starving for activities out in the fresh air and a chance to stretch away the winter tensions. For many, it’s quite difficult to maintain healthy patterns. Spring is a time to break out of those patterns and shed our cabin fever.
The staff of FLOC’s Outdoor Education Center celebrate this seasonal shift and invite all in need of invigoration to join us on May 9th for this years 5th Annual BCT Harpers Ferry Half Marathon, 5K Trail Run, and Kids Run in scenic and historic Harpers Ferry, WV. One of our main goals at the OEC is to facilitate healthy character development for youth and adults in a powerful outdoor classroom. In this case, helping to put on this vernal event is no different.
Along with a team of friends and affiliates all avid about the potential of outdoor running adventures and races, the Half gets planned and organized months and months ahead of time. It’s a lot of work but very rewarding. The proceeds from the race help benefit FLOC and the Eastern Panhandle Indigo Children organization known as EPIC, which is an autism awareness and advocacy non-profit located right here in the Eastern Panhandle of WV. Not only does the race benefit these two organizations, but hundreds of people are brought together to share the experience of challenging their own limits in the historic national park and along the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
Last year, nearly 500 participants strided along one of the most challenging and beautiful half marathons in the country. With the 5k and kids fun run in the mix, too, there is fun for the whole family. Spread the word, spring alive, and join us for another memorable event this year. Register and find out more details at:
http://www.harpersferryhalf.org
(Josh Evans is the Program Assistant for FLOC’s Outdoor Education Center in WV)
