Kewash half marathon coming this weekend

WASHINGTON — Nearly a decade after it started with less than 100 people, the Kewash Half Marathon returns to Washington this weekend, with an expected turnout of around 550.

“A couple of friends and I started this nine years ago,” Event Co-organizer and Co-founder Michelle Driscoll said. “We liked to go to different areas and run marathons and half marathons and wanted to have one locally … so we got together and started with about 70 runners that first year.”

The race includes a 5K, 10K, and a 13-mile half marathon, all starting at the same time. Runners from 17 states are signed up to participate in this year’s event.

“I think it’s a big deal because we’re a pretty small community, and to get 600 or more runners from all over the country to our little town is kind of a big deal,” Driscoll said. “We have a pretty trail that people enjoy and we like to show our downtown area … it brings people back year after year, we have a lot of return runners, and it’s a kind of heartwarming feeling.”

It also holds a special place in Driscoll’s heart.

“I just enjoy having people come and run in our town, and I like being able to give back,” she said.

Co-organizer and Washington YMCA Branch Manager Teri Hartzler said proceeds went to charitable causes.

“Some of it stays at the Y for youth programming, others are given to the high school baseball program, track program, cross-country, girls on the run … the boys run program,” she said. “We give a portion up to each group, and to the conservation program because they maintain the trail that we utilize.”

The event also offers a $1,000 prize to whoever breaks the male or female standing record for their event, an award that has prompted a sub-competition among dozens of area emergency responders.

“Five members of the police department will be participating in a relay race against members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Wellman Fire and Ambulance and other county public safety officials,” a Facebook post from the Washington Police Department said. “Each team has selected a charity of their choice to donate to. The winning team gets all the proceeds from the other departments to go to their chosen charity, along with the YMCA’s youth programs.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com