(Bend, OR) The Grin and Bear It Run, presented by Bluefish Dental & Orthodontics and Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry, offers a 5 & 10K run through the scenic Old Mill District, an event perfect for all levels of runners and walkers. Start time will be 10 am. Also on tap will be a 1 mile Family Fun Run sponsored by Bend Memorial Clinic Pediatrics with a start time of 11am. The 5 & 10 K again will offer a very popular corporate and team component with teams (2 runners/walkers or more) qualifying for the reduced entry fee. The event will include a free Family Fun Fair with booths and fun activities for family members and participants alike. All races start and end at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. On-line registration is available on the Healthy Beginnings website www.myhb.org. Interested runners and walkers can also visit the FootZone or Pine Mountain Sports for entry forms or to drop off their registration.
Awards will be given to the fastest overall male and female finisher in both the 5 & 10K runs. Ribbons will be given to the top three finishers in each age category and to all participants in the Family Fun Run. A prize will go to the largest corporate or team entry and all participants will be eligible for fantastic prize drawings during the event. Refreshments will be provided by Strictly Organic Coffee, Big O Bagels, and Grocery Outlet.
Last year’s event generated over $5,000 in prizes and awards and nearly $35,000 in sponsorships and run entries – dollars dedicated to supporting children and families in the community. All proceeds from this event benefit Healthy Beginnings and the free health and developmental screenings provided for local children birth through age five. For more information about this event, to enter, sponsor or to volunteer for the race, contact Healthy Beginnings at 541.383.6357. For more information visit the Healthy Beginnings website at www.myhb.org
About Healthy Beginnings
Entering its 22nd year, Healthy Beginnings provides key services to young children, ensuring children are healthy, ready to succeed in school, and can develop to their full potential. Each year Healthy Beginnings holds 18 screenings throughout Central Oregon with the help of its hundreds of professional volunteers. During the free screenings, children birth through age five are offered a “12 point kid inspection” that assesses vision, dental, speech, infant & toddler development, concepts, hearing, social skills and behavior, health, nutrition, car seat safety, motor, and much more. The program also provides abbreviated preschool screenings as well. The screenings are not just designed for low income families, it’s a program designed for all families with young children. Improving access to health and educational services is fundamental to the program and Healthy Beginnings can even help with health insurance application coverage. Supported by community donations and fundraising efforts like the Grin and Bear It, all services are provided at no cost to the family. Call to learn more, 541.383.6357 or visit HB’s website to make your child’s appointment, to donate or to volunteer.