RUNNERS OF ALL AGES
MIX COSTUMES AND RUNNING SHOES
AT PROVIDENCE HARVEST DASH

Harvest Dash 2009

Oct. 19, 2009

HOOD RIVER, Ore. – Runners and walkers, young and old – many in Halloween costumes – started their day on the Hood River waterfront Saturday morning for the second annual Providence Harvest Dash.

In the family fun walk, moms and dads with kids, grandmothers and others shared ghost stories along the “spook-tacular” Columbia River waterfront trail.

Teenage boys, ages 14, 15 and 16, won the 10K and 5K races. A 12-year-old girl medaled in the 5K race and a 78-year-old man was not far behind, with all ages in between.

Sponsored by Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, the Providence Harvest Dash 10K and 5K run and a one-mile family fun walk are held during Hood River County’s Harvest Fest weekend.

Harvest Dash was the idea of Providence Hood River’s Chief Executive Ty W. Erickson, an avid runner who worked behind the scenes during the race. “We were blessed with beautiful fall weather for our Providence Harvest Dash,” said Erickson. “The community comes together regardless of weather in the Gorge, but sunshine was a special treat on race day. Getting exercise in the fresh air is healthy for you. Fall is such a wonderful, colorful season, and together we celebrated the abundance of life in Hood River.”

Harvest Dash 10K runners started along the banks of the Columbia River, went under I-84, ran through downtown Hood River, passed through farms and neighborhoods, along Indian Creek Trail, before returning to the finish line at Harvest Fest on the waterfront.

Among the winners collecting commemorative medals were pumpkins, pirates, fairies, cowboys and hippies, along with runners in traditional costumes. A man dressed as The Joker ran the 10K race in a full length blue trench coat with purple pants, a bright orange shirt, a blue felt hat and full face makeup.

Winners received pumpkins, pumpkin pies and commemorative Harvest Dash medals. Race participants received free admission to Harvest Fest, pumpkin colored Harvest Dash T-shirts and mini pumpkins.

For complete race results and event photographs, visit the Harvest Dash page.

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Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital is part of Providence Health & Services, the state’s largest health system and largest private employer. Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital is a full-service, critical-access hospital with a 24-hour Emergency Department. Providence offers a wide range of health care services in the communities of the Columbia River Gorge through its clinics, care centers and senior living facilities.