Dear Redmond community,

For the last three years, I have stood shivering in the October rain, cheering wildly as my daughters whizzed by in their squishy running shoes and muddy green and yellow uniforms. They are RHS Mustangs, and this is cross country season: Fall, mud, rain, time goals, agony of disappointment, joy in triumph, running with abandon, discovering strength, making friends, conquering hills and obstacles, falling down and getting up. Redmond cross country runners don’t just run miles; they learn life lessons every step along the trail.

The Redmond High School cross country team booster club is hosting a fundraiser Community Run on Aug. 26. I encourage you to lace up your shoes, grab a friend, child or spouse and come blaze a trail through the scenic trails of Hartman Park with the Mustangs. Maybe you’ll learn something about persistence, run faster than you ever have, discover you are stronger than you realized or decide it’s time to get in better shape! Whatever your experience might be, your support will help the RHS cross country program continue to grow strong bodies, minds, and spirits.

• Redmond Community Run – Aug. 26

Hartman Park – 17300 N.E. 104th St.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.; 5K starts at 10 a.m.; Kids 1K Fun Run starts at 10:45 a.m.

Suggested donation: Individual/$15; family/$40

Kristen Muscott

Redmond