Re-opening of Sneakers Run Celebrated with Fun Run/Walk

Although the weather did not cooperate quite like it did on June 30, a crowd of nearly 50 runners and walkers came together on a cool Saturday, Sept. 15, to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Iowa State University and the completion of a service project spearheaded by the Center Farmers 4-H Club, with help from the Primghar Jaycees.

Back in June, more than 40 4-H'ers and their families, community members and ISU alumni spent the day cutting trees and clearing brush in order to re-open the trail that had been established nearly 10 years ago by the Primghar Jaycees. As a way to say thank you to these volunteers and recognize a job well done‚ ISU Extension and the Center Farmers sponsored the fun run/walk and a free barbeque which was open to the public. Northwest Area Extension Education Director Don Nitchie was on hand to present the group with a plaque commemorating the 150th birthday of the University as well as recognizing the hard work that went into the project. The plaque will be placed along the trail.

The idea to clean up Sneakers Run was the brainchild of Aphton Roberts of Primghar, a member of the Center Farmers 4-H Club and the Youth Leader for the event. "I remember running and riding bikes on this trail when I was younger, and I wanted to see other kids get that same opportunity‚" said Roberts. T-shirts and medals were presented to those who participated on Saturday.