Bothell 5K run celebrates special-needs kids, families

Published 3:41 pm Monday, March 23, 2009

“We just happen to feel that our kids are awesome,” said Betsy Geib who also just happened to come up with the name of the Can Do 5K Run and Walk now being organized by Northshore Special Families.

Launched in 2004, Northshore Special Families is dedicated, of course, to helping special-needs children and their families. Geib said the group had been playing around with the idea of a run for a while and decided to go for it. The “Can Do” name just came to her and seemed to fit, Geib added.

“We often are inspired by our kids and we want other people to be inspired, as well,” she said.

Set for March 29, about 200 people have signed up for the run/walk so far, with about 350 expected. Geib said there clearly are two purposes for the walk. Entrance fees will help raise money for the Northshore group, while the event itself will help raise awareness of the abilities of special-needs children.

Stretching through Bothell, the race route will be dotted with posters celebrating and showing off the achievements of kids who used to be branded as handicapped.

“I think it’s fun and enjoyable,” said Michael Tronson, 16, one of the many local special-needs kids who will take part in the run.

“I like to run,” he added.

“What I like most about this event is that it gives him the chance to take part in something with lots of other people,” said Michael’s mom, Melanie Tronson.

Michael plans on taking part in a one-mile walk/run that is part of the overall Can Do event.

A junior at Bothell High, Michael said that for two years he has been a manager for the school’s girls softball team. He attends games and practices and helps with equipment, chases down balls and has other regular duties.

“I think the basis of it was to get him involved in the school community as much as possible,” Tronson said of gaining Michael a spot as a manager, adding it allows him to meet people and just have some fun.

Despite it being a chilly and wet afternoon prior to a recent game, Michael said he likes working with the team and really doesn’t mind sloppy weather, though he did admit to being a bit cold.

Geib said planning for the Can Do event began in August. She said participants will be a mix of special-needs children and their families. The posters dotting the course should show kids in schools, kids playing sports, kids doing just about whatever they set their minds to doing, Geib added.

“These kids can do a lot,” Tronson said.

“Just give them the chance and they will show you.”

Northshore Special Families organizes numerous events throughout the year, from monthly potluck dinners to sibshops, where the siblings of special needs kids can come together at least three times a year. According to the Northshore Web site, the group’s flagship event is the annual Special Santa event featuring pictures with — who else? — Santa, along with arts and crafts and other activities for the group’s children and their families. Santa naturally has experience with special-needs kids.

The March 29 race is set to kick off at 8 a.m. at 19200 120th Ave. N.E. along North Creek in Bothell. Registration will take place in person at several area businesses or online. Registration will also be available the day of the race starting at 7 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place finishers, as well to the top fund-raisers.

Besides the 5K and one-mile walk/runs, the Can Do event further features free kid dashes. Post-race activities will include information and vendor tents, as well refreshments for participants.

Including a free T-shirt, registration is $25 for individuals and $40 for families prior to the race. Day of the event, add $5. Proceeds will go toward helping send special-needs kids to organized summer programs.

For more information about the race or Northshore Special Families, visit their Web site at www.northshore-specialfmilies.org or the race Web site at www.CanDo5K.org.