The Clovis Memorial Run promotes a healthy lifestyle

Get ready to run, walk or roll: The Clovis Memorial Run is set for Saturday, May 23.

The Clovis Memorial Run started in 2012 with a purpose of promoting active and healthy lifestyles among local seniors.

“It gives a sense of accomplishment,” said Shonna Halterman, general services manager for City of Clovis.

It also serves as a way to educate local seniors about Clovis Senior Center, which offers a wide range of classes, programs and activities. Halterman said 20 percent to 25 percent of participants are veterans.

“It’s our chance to say thanks to veterans,” she added.

The Clovis Memorial Run starts at 7:55 a.m. with a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Immediately following, gather your children for a 1/2-mile kids’ run. Parents are welcome to run with their children.

A 1/2-mile “Senior Walk and Roll” starts at 8:10 a.m. Seniors can walk or be pushed in a wheelchair by a caregiver. The course starts and ends at Fourth Street and Osmun Avenue, but heads east toward Russell Avenue and then loops back around.

From 8:15 to 10:30 a.m., Clovis Kiwanis Club will be serving pancakes to participants at Clovis Senior Center. If you aren’t a participant, tickets cost $5.

A 5K (3.1 miles) run/walk starts at 8:25 a.m. followed by a 2-mile run/walk. The course starts and ends at Fourth Street and Osmun Avenue, but heads west through Old Town Clovis and then loops back around. There are hills and slopes, and going through a tunnel below Herndon and Minnewawa avenues.

From 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., enjoy a resource fair located adjacent to Clovis Senior Center. Vendors include Oakmont of Fresno, 93.7 KISS Country, Boice Funeral Home, Amdal In-Home Care, AGA Medicare Options, Alzheimer’s Association of Central California, The Fountains at Alluvial, Anthem Blue Cross, Plexus Health For Life and several insurance companies like Silver Care Insurance Services, Kuhtz Diehl Insurance and Financial Services, and Boomers Insurance Services.

An awards ceremony starts at 9:45 a.m., followed by a raffle. Participants receive a raffle ticket when registered. Clovis East High School’s color guard and Air Force Junior ROTC program will perform, and cheerleaders from Buchanan High School will applaud participates at the finish line.

“We have a ton of students volunteers,” Halterman said.

Cost is $35 for adults, $25 for children under age 10, $25 for seniors and $10 for veterans and active military members. Participants receive a polyester dry-weave fabric T-shirt and bag of goodies.

Proceeds benefit Clovis Senior Center, which caters to more than 3,500 local seniors. The Clovis Memorial Run has funded laptops for Clovis Senior Center as a way for seniors to get familiar with technology and social media. Twice a week, students from CART come to Clovis Senior Center to help seniors operate computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

The Clovis Memorial Run is open to participants of all ages and abilities. It will happen rain or shine so don’t forget your tennis shoes and sun visors.

Details: (559) 324-2767, www.clovismemorialrun.com.

This story was originally published May 19, 2015 at 1:36 PM with the headline "The Clovis Memorial Run promotes a healthy lifestyle."