As part of the annual Ag Days in Spring Valley, the Little Huskers 1K Run has attracted throngs of young athletes from the local area and beyond, and that was certainly the case again on August 8. This year marked the sixth annual Little Huskers event, and the weather was ideal.
The kids’ run is held in Willow Park, following the conclusion of the 6K run. The 1K is for runners 12 years of age or younger, and this year saw roughly 260 registered runners. Each participant received a personalized racing “bib” number, T-shirt, refreshments following the run, and most importantly, a medal. Runners were grouped and started by age group, with the youngest (two- and three- year-olds) running a shorter course.
The event is free and non-competitive, but it was clearly a “win-win” situation, based upon the many smiling faces among the participants and spectators. The event is organized by the Spring Valley Area Community Foundation (SVACF), and three Foundation board members (Wendy Thon, Gina Jahn, and Deb Zimmer) gave their thoughts on what makes the event so popular.
Asked how the event originated, Thon answered, “During a board meeting we discussed doing something during Ag Days, and Steve Harder came up with the idea of doing a fun run for the kids. We wanted the event to be free and fun. The idea of T-shirts and medals for participants was discussed; we decided to ask for sponsorship to help cover the cost.” She said board members had expected to see about 30-60 kids for the initial kids run, but over 160 registered that first year.
Since the event was such a success right away, very few changes have been made, and it now draws around 250 participants per year. The event requires around $2,500 to put on, and roughly 125 volunteer hours go into making everything run smoothly. When asked who volunteers, Deb Zimmer stated, “Board members and their family and friends, along with other community members wanting to make a difference. The Line Leaders especially enjoy their role as they are able to connect and then cheer for their Little Huskers. We are always looking for individuals who have a desire to assist in our activities, and they are welcome to reach out to us.”
Gina Jahn said the event could not happen without sponsors, and the T-shirts listed the following sponsors: Bolton & Menk, Home Federal, Active PT, Threads, Casey’s General Store, Good Earth Village, Essig Agency, Mettler Family Chiropractic, Valley Home Improvement, Lentz Family Farm, Thompson Motors, Photography by Kari, Spring Valley Senior Living, Kingsland School Parents, Spring Valley Vet Clinic, Spring Valley Tribune, Sunshine Foods, and Fowler’s BP. Jahn added, “Our gracious sponsors allow us to keep this a free event to our youngest residents to promote physical fitness and healthy living.” She added that the refreshments at the finish line were provided by Casey’s and Kwik Trip.
Wendy Thon shared a favorite moment from this year’s run. She quipped, “This year, a mom decided last-minute to register her two-year-old. He ran the course once, then ran it one more time, and when I talked with her he was crying because she wouldn’t allow him to run it a third time, due to the heat and that he was only two. She said he really had caught the running bug that day!”
The SVACF was founded in 2011, and seeks to improve the communities and schools in Spring Valley, Wykoff, and Ostrander. So far, the SVACF has raised and distributed over $70,000 in pursuit of their mission statement, which is: “The SVACF strives to build a dynamic community by encouraging generosity, promoting civic engagement and providing the opportunity to enhance the quality of life by creating community partnerships.” And if the 260 kids and countless parents/spectators/volunteers are any indication, the Little Huskers Run certainly hits the bullseye of that mission. The SVACF can be contacted at (507) 251-1610 or 201 S. Broadway in Spring Valley, or via their website, http://smifoundation.org/spring-valley-area-community-foundation/who-we-are/contact.html.