By Jen Clancey DIGITAL PRODUCER
On May 19, Big Sky students will don capes alongside participating community members in the annual Harbor’s Hero 5K color run.
Honoring Harbor deWaard, a Big Sky kindergartner who passed away in 2015, the run celebrates his amazing life in Big Sky, and raises money for Wellness in Action and the Harbor deWaard Scholarship Fund. The fund awarded its first full scholarship in 2015 to a Big Sky student to participate in Camp Moonlight’s summer camp program.
The run has been organized by Lone Peak High School’s chapter of the National Honors Society since 2014. The 10th anniversary will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 19 at Big Sky Community Park. Registration is $20, available ahead of the race online and on race day starting at 8:15 a.m. The first 125 people to sign up will receive a t-shirt.
It’s tradition for participants to don a cape or superhero gear for the annual color 5K, in memory of Harbor’s love for superheroes. The race will be timed by Muddy Dog Sports for the competitive folk who plan to fly through the finish line.
Participants should also be prepared for weather.
“We always say to come, rain or shine,” said Vera Grabow, a student and member of Lone Peak High School’s chapter of the National Honors Society.
Last year the event raised about $2,000 for Wellness in Action. Since its first year, the event has raised $13,489 for WIA. Usually occurring on a Saturday morning, organizers told EBS last year that a Sunday morning start time might avoid conflicts including soccer and get more of the community involved.
“The club is really excited to have been doing this event in Harbor’s memory for 10 years now,” Grabow said. She spoke on behalf of the organization which is led by co-presidents Astrid McGuire and Beckett Johnson and guided by Dr. Kate Eisele, NHS’ faculty advisor.
On Wednesday, April 17, students at Ophir Elementary School recycled t-shirts from past Harbor’s Hero runs, creating and decorating capes in Harbor’s memory and to celebrate the event’s 10th year.
