Got Miles 5K walk/run set for Saturday, Jan. 16

Is your New Year’s resolution to run a 5K? Your first local opportunity to do so is Saturday at Railroad Park.

The fifth annual Got Miles 5K will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16 near the picnic table area of the park on Peach and Alluvial avenues. Runners and walkers are welcome to participate. All proceeds go to the Poverello House.

“The race started because we wanted to teach our kids to give back,” said race director Michelle Alexander. “Our son Miles was 13 when this started. We thought that because he was in cross country he could hold a race and give back to the Poverello House. He chose Poverello because that’s where we took him to volunteer and donate when he was younger.”

Through the race, the Clovis North senior has been able to donate about $5,000 over the years to Poverello House, which provides health care, meals, shelter and social services to homeless individuals.

Got Miles 5K is held annually in January on the Saturday closest to Miles Alexander’s birthday. It started with about 50 runners and grew to 130 participants last year, Alexander said.

“We race with balloons, so it looks like a big birthday party out there,” she said. “He would like to keep it going as many years as he can.”

Children under age 19 can register for just $10.

“We’ve never raised the price because Miles always wants kids to be able to race,” Alexander said.

The out-and-back 3.1-mile course takes participants southeast along the Clovis Old Town Trail from Railroad Park to Sierra and Clovis avenues. Participants turn around there and cross the finish line at the park.

“We encourage walkers to come out, and kids. It is timed, but it’s not a strict race,” Alexander said. “It’s nice for the new year for people to get out there and see what a race is like, with no pressure.”

Registration includes a bib, technical race shirt designed by Miles Alexander and Amber Irwin Photography, a balloon, post-race snacks and refreshments and a custom — and edible — finisher’s medallion. The event also includes a raffle and costume contest.

The race is chip-timed and there will be awards for the top finishers. All ages are eligible to participate. Adult registration costs $25. Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15. Details: Runsignup.com

This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 9:29 AM with the headline "Got Miles 5K walk/run set for Saturday, Jan. 16."