It’sSummer:trade in the gym for the park

By Tacoma Weekly Staff Writers

Tacoma Weekly
Published on: July 10, 2008

Metro Parks Tacoma is providing more than enough opportunities this summer for those who want to escape the gym and take their fitness outside.

The park hopes residents will enjoy the beauty of summer while participating in walking, running, yoga, cross-training and even golf fitness. New this year, a series of events will have runners exploring Tacoma’s parks while getting fit and meeting other runners. Here is a menu of what is being offered.

RUN THE PARK CHALLENGES

Get fit and enjoy four of Tacoma’s parks while participating in a 5k run/walk. Events take place at Point Defiance Park on July 17, Titlow Park on July 24, Wapato Park on July 31 and the final race, the Green Thumb Run, at Wright Park on Aug. 16. All races begin at 6:30 p.m. except the Green Thumb Run, which begins at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $5 per race, $10 for the Green Thumb Run, or $4.50 per race if signing up for all four at once.

A children’s dash and craft project will be provided for the younger set while adults participate in the event.

Walkers and runners ages 16 and over are welcome. Registration is available at www.metroparkstacoma.org or (253) 305-1022. There is no day-of-race registration.

GOLDFISH GALLOP

Ready, set, run! Try the first-ever Goldfish Gallop at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 at Point Defiance Park. Fill your gills with air while enjoying a 5k evening run through the park beginning at the park entrance and ending at the Goldfish Tavern. Fill your gills again – this time with frosty liquid refreshments and tasty treats. Special prizes, fish-face contest and discounts on food for those who participate. Runners and walkers age 21 and over are welcome. Cost is $10 per person and includes a Goldfish t-shirt. Registration is available at www.metroparkstacoma.org or (253) 305-1022. There is no day-of-race registration.

TRAINING TRAIL RUNS

Runners of all levels and abilities are invited to enjoy Point Defiance Park and discover its trails. Meet trainer Dan Salazar at 6:30 p.m. every Monday at the Pagoda for runs of varying distances. Get outdoors and get fit at the same time! Runners age 16 and over are welcome. Cost is $20 per month for residents or $22 per month for non-residents. First session ends July 21. Second session is July 28-Aug. 18. Registration available at www.metroparkstacoma.org or (253) 305-1022.

RUNNERS COACH AND CONDITIONING

Learn the fundamentals of running in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. This course will include runs for all levels of conditioning with strength training and flexibility improvement mixed in. Class meets from 5:45-6:45 p.m. every Wednesday at the Jefferson Park Fieldhouse and will explore the beautiful North End of Tacoma. Cost is $25 per month for residents or $27 per month for non-residents. First session is July 2-23. Second session is July 30-Aug. 20. Registration is available at www.metroparkstacoma.org or (253) 305-1022.

OUTDOOR FITNESS TRAINING

Outdoor fitness training at Owen Beach includes circuit training with emphasis on cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strengthening, and flexibility improvement. This course will build mental acuity, alleviate stress and inspire the spirit of fun and adventure. Class meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Ages 16 and over are welcome. Cost is $30 per month for residents or $35 per month for non-residents. Registration is available at www.metroparkstacoma.org or (253) 305-1022.

For more information on any of these events, contact Janet Bissell at (253) 305-1028 or e-mail janetb@tacomaparks.com. Sign up online at www.metroparkstacoma.org.

It’sSummer:trade in the gym for the park

By Tacoma Weekly Staff Writers

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