Tag Archives: Valentine’s Dash

Snowy fun at Kentwood’s Valentine’s Dash

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With more than 80 people attending, the  City of Kentwood hosted its first Valentine’s Dash Saturday, Feb. 10.

 

The number was more than expected, said Kentwood Recreation Program Coordinator Spencer McKellar, who helped organized the event. Staff decided to host the Valentine’s Dash after the city’s November Ugly Sweater 5K was flooded out due to rain. Looking around, staff learned that not many races were held in February so they decided to host the Valentine’s Dash and were pleasantly surprised at the turnout.

 

In fact, the turnout is enough to encourage the city to host another one next year, McKellar told participants after the race during the awards ceremony. “So all of you just need to make sure to sign up again next year,” he said.

 

This year’s overall race winners were Josue Vasquez and Val Thomasma. Age group winners were:

 

18 and Under

Male- Connor Elliott

Female- Maggie Boorsma

 

19 to 44

Male- Derek Thomasma

Female- Katie Bozek

 

45 and Over

Male- David Uitdeflesch

Female- Kristi Diekevers

 

There also were door prizes donated by several local business including DoubleTree by Hilton, Siegel Jewelers, On the Border, Sky Zone and Biggby.

 

Staff said they have plans to add on to next year’s race with heart-shaped mile markers and possibly food trucks.

Winners were Derek Thomasma, Val Thomasma, Maggie Boorsma, Katie Bozek, Kristi Diekevers, Josue Vasquez, David Uitdeflesch, and Connor Elliott

 

 

Dash through the snow – maybe – as Kentwood hosts Valentine’s-themed run

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

It’s love on the run — literally — as Kentwood hosts its first-ever Valentine’s Dash Feb. 10.

 

“We decided to add an additional race to our list of events due to the cancellation of our Ugly Sweater Run in November because of inclement weather,” said Spencer McKellar, a recreation program coordinator for the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, who is overseeing the Valentine’s Dash event.

 

“As a department we also realize there are limited outdoor recreation opportunities in the winter. By offering this new race during February, we hope to encourage members of our community to get out and enjoy our beautiful trails and parks throughout the entire year.”

 

The 3.1-mile course, which McKellar note is great for any skill level, will have participants start and end at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, traveling along an east/west trail and into the Old Farm Park and adjoining neighborhood. Along the way, there will be Valentine’s candy stations.

 

McKellar said the library provides a warm place for both registration and the after party/awards program. Each participant will receive a knit cap and a goodie bag. There also will be a race raffle with a number of items raffled off including a night stay for two at the DoubleTree hotel, golf packages and other items.

 

Awards will be given for fastest time as well as best dressed with other runners helping to judge those in Valentine-themed costumes. Also at the after party will be music, Valentine-themed snacks, and a photo booth.

 

“We want to make this a fun Valentine-themed race with candy, prizes and lots of fun,” McKellar said.

 

Cost to participate is $30 per person with couples getting $5 off each registration. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Kentwood/ValentinesDash.