Silas Demmert crosses the 5K finish line as Mandy Evans cheers him on. Demmert is part of SAFV’s Boys Run program. (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo)
On Saturday (11-15-14), the first class of Boys Run I Toowú Klatseen (which means “strengthen your spirit”) crossed the finish line at Crescent Harbor shelter. The dual running and healthy lifestyle program is for young men in grades 3 through 5.
Eliot and his proud mom, who knitted a scarf in support. (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo)
According to their mission statement, Boys Run “envisions boys growing up into confident, compassionate men who will help create a culture of respect and nonviolence.”
Shaun McGraw with his father, Nick Mcgraw, who ran alongside him. (Emily Kwong/KCAW).
EJ Richards breaks through the streamers, while his father looks on. (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo)
Fifteen boys participated in the 5K Fun Run and have been training since September. During the run, volunteers served as running buddies and there were cheering sections every half mile. Coordinator Elena Gustafson said the program will return next fall.
Shawn Sullivan (r) finished first, but like several of the boys, came back to help Russell Burden (l) across the finish line. (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo).
The course began and ended at Crescent Harbor Shelter with a loop around Totem Park (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo)
