By: Kathy Hubbard
Dust off your sneakers and your cape! It’s time for Bonner General Health Foundation’s Find Your Strength family fun run. This 5K and superhero-themed 1K race checks all the boxes for an enjoyable, healthy and worthwhile day in Sandpoint.
Check in opens at 9 a.m., the 5K leads off at 10 a.m. and the 1K starts at 11 a.m. And for some people, the best part is the after party from 11 to 1 p.m. that everyone is invited to attend and enjoy. Kids’ activities and free post-race snacks for participants will be the highlight of the after party. Special prizes will be awarded for the overall winners and the best group costumes.
The day starts and finishes at City Beach and will follow the beautiful Sand Creek trail out and back. The funds raised will go toward BGH’s Hometown Health Grants initiative which allows hospital department heads the ability to request funds to cover a multitude of needs.
And, so you know, last year’s race raised $35,000. It’s not too late if you want to join the growing number of local businesses that are sponsoring this year’s event. Every dollar benefits patients of BGH.
Plus, new this year, individuals can create their own fundraising campaigns by collecting sponsorships and donations to the cause. The individual and/or team who raises the most money will receive a special prize. Just go to BGH’s website and search Find-Your-Strength for the details.
I’ve told you who, what, where and how, now I’ll tell you why you should join in. You should come because it’ll be really good for you. Running does a lot for your body. Running with your children creates memories while sharing a unique experience. Running with their family teaches your children team building and helps them develop healthy habits.
There’s a website called Kids Run This Town. It’s a group out of Virginia who hosts the eponymous event. I liked what it had to say about children participating in events like Find Your Strength. They said:
“One of the most inspiring things about kids group running is how it encourages lifelong fitness. When children enjoy running and see it as fun, they are more likely to stay active as they grow older. This early positive experience can prevent health problems later in life.
“Running also teaches kids about setting and achieving goals. Whether it’s finishing a 5K race or simply improving their pace, these accomplishments build confidence and a sense of pride. These feelings motivate kids to take on new challenges, both in sports and in other areas of life.”
There are numerous perks for adults as well. You know, like lowering your chances of having cardiovascular disease.
WebMD’s website says, “One study suggest that runners are fifty percent less likely to die from heart disease than those who don’t run. It also lowers your resting heart rate (the number of times your heart beats per minute when you’re at rest). This is an important indicator of your overall health and fitness. The lower the rate, the more efficient your heartbeat.”
Another study WebMD referenced concluded that running improves quality sleep. They said that “exercise can help you not only fall asleep faster but also sleep more deeply.” Although they caution that running right before bedtime might have the opposite effect.
“It’s a common myth that running is bad for your joints,” they say. “Research actually shows that the more often you run, the lower your odds are of having knee and back problems as you age. One study found that recreational runners also have lower rates of knee and hip arthritis than non-runners.”
They go on to say that running can lower your chances of getting a cold, can help control your weight, can increase your memory, mood and energy, decrease your stress, and strengthen your muscles to improve your mobility as you age.
So, obviously there’s no downside to participating in Find Your Strength on Saturday, June 13. Go to www.bonnergeneral.org for more information and to register. Do it today. Then, set out for a short run to get your endorphins ready for a fun day. And don’t forget that superhero costume.
Kathy Hubbard was a charter member of Bonner General Health Foundation. She can be reached at [email protected]. This article was written for publication in the Bonner County Daily Bee on May 27, 2026.