Tacoma-Pierce County YMCA Y-Run For Kids

The Tacoma-Pierce County YMCA Y-Run for Kids began as the brainchild of an ambitious group of Partners for Youth volunteers in 1986.  Partners for Youth (PFY) an all-volunteer annual fund raising effort is now, known as the Strong Kids Campaign (SKC).

As volunteer campaigners, this group, under the guidance of PFY Division Leader, Liz Mason (Branch Advisory Board Member and Tacoma Center Volunteer of the Decade), and team captain, Michael B. Smith (later PFY Campaign, Branch and Association Chair); decided to stage a 4 mile “fun run” in February, to help raise money for the PFY Campaign.

In the 21 years since its’ origin, the Y-Run for Kids has benefited the PFY Campaign (until it became so popular that the association felt that it was detracting from the Campaign, itself!) as well as the Tacoma Center’s Late Night Program for teens; and now, the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Week. Also, in that 21 years the Y-Run has survived 4 Association CEO’s and 6 Tacoma Center Executive Directors!

A large number of age divisions (lots of trophies), a kid’s race and great prizes have all contributed to the success of the Y-Run.

The Y-Run introduced Racing Strollers, as its’ own competitive division, in 1990; and has continued the tradition, to this day. With the February date, and the use of Racing Strollers, the race was cancelled in 1991 on race, due to snow, only to have over 750 runners still come out to brave the cold February weather, a week later!

It is common to hear folks speak fondly of the Y-Run as the local race that is the most fun; most prizes and has the friendliest volunteers.

The first 15 Y-Runs started at the Tacoma Center YMCA and ended at or near the Y or the former Sheraton Hotel after a memorable finish up 11th Street from Pacific Avenue, to Market or Court C.  Post race activities were held in the courtyard of the Sheraton or the Bicentennial Pavilion.

The Run later partnered with the Daffodil Parade; partly to give the Parade another draw of people on Parade Day; and partly to utilize the logistics and staging capabilities of the Daffodil Committee.  The Y-Run changed to an out and back course on the Parade Route, starting at the Washington State History Museum.  The Museum’s amphitheater and indoor theater were both used as post race award venues.  An April date meant that the race would not be cancelled due to snow!

Now, for its’ 22nd year the Y-Run has evolved even more.  It is now a certified 5k course with the start/finish on Pacific Ave. near Tollefson Plaza.  An association-wide effort to include kids from all branches; including Korum in Puyallup, Morgan on Pearl Street, the Lakewood Branch, the newest branch in Gig Harbor and Child Care; has raised the level of interest and excitement for the 22nd presentation of the Y-Run for Kids.

The Y-Run represents a significant roll in a Pentathlon which will be held during Healthy Kids Week at all family branches and child care during the week preceding the Run.  The stages will include participation encouraged events that highlight Nutrition, Education, Spiritual Growth, Fitness and culminating in the Y-Run which represents the 5th and final leg of the Pentathlon.

With over 50,000 members and operating the county’s largest Child Care system for school aged children in our area, the Tacoma-Pierce County YMCA is serious about promoting healthy lifestyles in our community; and continues to do so with events like the 22nd Annual Y-Run for Kids and Healthy Kids Week.