The Fourth of July was be a busy day in Kingston and Rotarians will be helping families “rise and shine” with the Kingston Fun Run. Clint Boxman is  co-chair of the Kingston Fourth of July Fun Run, along with Dave Roberts of the Kingston Running Club. This event has something for all running skill levels:  10K, 5K, and a 1-mile dash that benefit the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club and the Kingston Running Club.

The Fun Run is an annual event, now in its fourth year.  While competitive runners are welcome to participate, runners of all ages are invited to join in this family friendly event. And you don’t have to be a runner to participate, you’re welcome to walk through the course. Non-runners need to know that 10K is 6.2 miles and 5K is 3.1 miles.

The Fun Run began at 8:30 a.m. at the Kingston Medical Center located at Barber Cut Off Road. Clint Boxman was out early that morning putting up directional signs to guide runners through the course. Rotarians were be stationed at various intersections to control traffic, allowing the runners to continue without stopping.

The 10K course is challenging in that there are some elevation changes. All courses finish at Village Green Community Park, where runners will receive their time and awards. Brooks Running is one of the major sponsors of this event and provided several prizes.

The Fun Run is also a “fund run.” Proceeds from registration will  benefit the Kingston Running Club, enabling them to send youngsters to running camps in the summer months.  Kingston Rotary Club also benefits from the run, using the money for its SPARKS projects — Schools and Parks Around Kingston.

It was a fun way to start fun-filled day. Participants had a prime parking space for the parade and supported an event that benefits our Kingston community.

Kingston-North Kitsap Rotary meets Wednesdays at noon at the Kingston Cove Yacht Club.