A run of luck: Couve Clover Run

Columbian - 3/24/2018

March 24--St. Patrick's Day is over, but you can still run for it.

The fourth annual Couve Clover Run is set to launch at 9 a.m. Sunday in downtown Vancouver, and the sponsoring organization, WHY Racing Events, is offering a deep discount on registration for kids.

That's because the percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Just this month, the journal "Pediatrics" published a study that found, despite incremental reports to the contrary, a continuous upward trend in childhood obesity in recent years.

Why? Weight is all about maintaining a healthy balance between incoming calories and burning calories. Genetics play a role, too, according to the Centers for Disease Control, but behavior and lifestyle -- that is, diet and exercise -- are key during this era of both junk food and electronics gone wild.

"We've got to get these kids off their electronic devices and get them outside playing, training and experiencing the joy ... of crossing the finish line," said Sherri McMillan, the owner of WHY Racing Events, which has become the leading producer of multi-sport events in the Pacific Northwest -- including biathalons, triathalons and the upcoming "Wings for Life World Run," a global, all-abilities event set for May 6. WHY is all about getting whole families out to train, run and have fun together, McMillan said -- and that's why the company has cut its registration fees for youth ages 17 and under to around half of the price for adults (depending on the race).

Sunday morning's Couve Clover Run offers options: 3 miles, "lucky" 7 miles, or 10 miles. Most kids will enjoy conquering the 3-mile course, and same-day registration is $30 for them and $55 for adults. The cost of the "lucky 7" is $35 for kids and $80 for adults; the 10-mile course is $90 for adults only.

All routes begin in front of Main Event Sports Bar, 800 Main St., and it's recommended you get there no later than 8:20 a.m. to register, enjoy pre-run entertainment and be ready for the 9 a.m. start. The 3-mile course descends through downtown, goes under the Interstate 5 bridge and over the state Highway 14 land bridge, ascends through the historic reserve area and returns downtown; the longer routes add out-and-back segments along the river and Columbia Way, either halfway or all the way to Marine Park.

The event is also a charity fundraiser; when a charity team hits 50 participants, it starts getting $5 from each participant's registration. Fifty registered runners for your favorite charity equals a $250 check for that charity, and it goes up from there. When you register, check to see if there's already a team supporting a cause you support, and add your support, too. Last year, WHY Racing Events says, its outings raised over $150,000 for local causes.

Finally, don't forget to be green! The most festive costume gets a prize when the race has run.

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