When gatherings over 10 people became impossible, we knew we couldn’t hold our annual 3-mile race – at least not in the way we have been for over 50 years now.
But the spirit of our agency – putting participants first - shone through as we came together to find a way to adapt the event to ensure our youth could still experience it.
Started over 50 years ago, the 3 mile takes place every year and pits staff and youth against one another in a friendly race. At programs south, it takes place on the roads around the Pilot Butte campus, and all in-town and on-campus houses participate, along with a good number of staff and special guests. Youth are divided into age/gender categories, and there are medals and bragging rights up for grabs.
“It is so important, especially now, to carry on as best we can, and this race is a beloved, long-standing tradition,” said director of education Hayley Maurer.
Instead of the traditional race, houses this year were challenged to earn 300 points through completing a variety of exercises, each assigned a point value. Walking or running were worth 100 points per mile.
Each house had from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 6th to have every youth and staff member complete 300 calories worth of any combination of exercise.
“This adaptation gave everyone at the agency the chance to get motivated and excited about exercising,” Hayley added.
Youth and staff had a few weeks before the big day to train – honing not just their running skills but also, if they chose, incorporating things like jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, jump rope and wall sits.
While things looked a little different for this year’s 3 mile, there were still prizes, teamwork, and most importantly – our youth were able to experience the pride that comes with working toward and accomplishing a goal.
