Kentwood Valentine's Dash 5K

By WKTV Staff

The City of Kentwood will host its seventh annual Valentine’s Dash 5K at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 to benefit Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and personal care items to community members in need.

The 5K route will include a combination of trails and paved pathways starting and ending at Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

Participants are encouraged to wear Valentine’s Day-themed costumes. While intended to be a fun run, the race will be chip timed and awards will be given for the fastest runner overall and in each age group.

An awards ceremony will follow in the library’s community room around noon and include light refreshments and a Valentine-themed photo booth.

“Our Valentine’s Dash has been a community favorite for the past seven years,” said Shelby Henshaw, Kentwood recreation program coordinator. “This race brings together friends, loved ones and neighbors of all running and walking levels for an afternoon of winter fun.”

Online registration is available until Feb. 9 and includes a long-sleeved shirt and other participant-packet goodies while supplies last. Registration is $35 until Feb. 9 and $40 on the day of the event. Runners who sign up as a couple save $5 each.

Participants who bring a nonperishable item or monetary donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry will be entered to win a free race entry.

Kentwood’s first Little Free Pantry opened to the community in 2017 at the Kentwood Activities Center, where it remains available year-round during business hours. The City launched a second pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch in 2021. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

There also are volunteer opportunities available for this event. Volunteers will help with racer check-in and registration, keep traffic off the race route and hand out water to participants during the event.

For more event information, visit kentwood.us/ValentinesDash.

The City of Kentwood’s Valentine’s Dash 5K will return Saturday, Feb. 12. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Valentine’s Day 2022 falls on a Monday (Feb. 14) but the City of Kentwood has a “Sweetheart Deal” to get your “Valentine’s Weekend” started with a little outdoor fun run, a possible partnership opportunity, and support for a great community service program.

The city will host its fifth annual Valentine’s Dash 5K Saturday, Feb. 12, starting at 11 a.m., and benefitting Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and personal care items to community members in need.

The 5K route will include a combination of trails and paved pathways starting and ending at Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

Valentine’s Day-themed costumes are encouraged. While intended to be a fun run, the race will be chip timed and awards will be given for the fastest runner overall and in each age group.

An awards ceremony will follow in the library’s community room at about noon, including refreshments, candy, music and a photo booth.

“Our Valentine’s Dash 5K is a great way to kick off the holiday weekend and help foster or fuel a love for running, even in the winter months,” Spencer McKellar, race organizer, said in supplied material. “This course is great for first-time runners or walkers but will also provide a challenge to more experienced racers. All are invited to come out and join us. Bring a friend or a loved one — or meet someone new.”

Online registration is $30 until Feb. 11 and includes a long-sleeved shirt and other participant-packet goodies (while supplies last). Day-of registration is $35. Runners who sign up as a couple save $5 each. Participants who bring a nonperishable item or monetary donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry will be entered to win a special door prize.

Kentwood’s first Little Free Pantry opened to the community in 2017 at the Kentwood Activities Center, where it remains available year-round during business hours. The city, last year, launched a second pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

For more event information visit kentwood.us/ValentinesDash.