Whether you’re following a new year’s resolution, looking for a fun event with friends or just love supporting a good cause, the annual Clark Public Utilities Race for Warmth is a win.
The Race for Warmth is a charity 5K/10K walk/run that directly supports Operation Warm Heart, a Clark Public Utilities donation-funded assistance program that helps families in financial crisis pay energy bills. Every dollar of race registration fees goes directly to supporting community members in need.
“Operation Warm Heart has helped more than 16,700 people in Clark County since it was founded in 1985,” said Clark Public Utilities Marketing and Events Specialist Maxie Mayer. “Every year we talk to people who’ve registered for the race because Operation Warm Heart helped them through a financial crisis in the past and now they want to give back.”
For the second year, the event will be in an individual-route format for a safe, socially distant celebration of fun, fitness and community support of a charitable cause. Rather than meeting at the Clark Public Utilities office in downtown Vancouver, participants in the 5K and 10K events are invited to run, walk or roll the route of their choice at any point over the race weekend. A list of 5k and 10k options are provided at raceforwarmth.com, or racers can make one of their own or stay indoors and hit the treadmill.
The Race for Warmth is produced and hosted by utility employee-volunteers and remaining virtual for one more year allows these vital workers to keep providing reliable electric and water service as the top priority.
This year marks the eighth year of the race. What started with a few hundred participants has become a community tradition and a favorite of seasoned racers and casual strollers alike. Last year’s race attracted nearly 1,000 people, raising more than $60,000 in registration fees and donations for Operation Warm Heart.
Registration is $30 and open now at www.raceforwarmth.com. Every dollar goes directly to Operation Warm Heart and participants receive a long-sleeve performance shirt, participation medal, bib number and drawstring race bag filled with gifts and coupons all thanks to our generous local business partners.
New this year, Clark Public Utilities invites your favorite furry friend to run with you. Register your four-legged running companion for just $5 more and receive a coordinating racing bandana.
For those who enjoy kicking back rather than pounding pavement, the “sleep in to stay warm” option at www.raceforwarmth.com/Home/Donate is an easy way to make a tax-deductible contribution to Operation Warm Heart.
Special thank you to Area Heating & Cooling for partnering in the Race for Warmth since 2015.
“Last year was the first in Race for Warmth history where participants ran individual routes instead of starting at the same time and place, and we just couldn’t believe how successful it was. We’re hoping to see that same energy in our community this year,” Mayer said. “Extending the event over three days is great because it gives people the time and flexibility they might need to get friends and family together for a fun-filled run for a great cause.”
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
