EDITOR’S NOTE: The Longest Day of Trails is for walkers and runners only. Runners will be timed, and because distances have been certified by the USA Track and Field Association, the times can be used as qualifiers for other certified races in the U.S. Money from entry fees will benefit both the Peninsula Trails Coalition and the Jumping Mouse Children’s Center. These corrections have been made to the story.
PORT TOWNSEND — On Saturday night, some people in Port Townsend will go to sleep knowing a lot more about healthy habits and accessing services than when they woke up.
The fitness day will begin at 8 a.m. with the Longest Day of Trails, a run in three different configurations to suit participants’ energy level.
Concurrently, the Jefferson Healthcare Health, Wellness and Fitness Expo will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Port Townsend Community Center, 620 Tyler St.
The respective sponsors coordinated the events to double up on the pro-health message.
“It’s all about getting people out and moving,” said Kate Burke, Jefferson Healthcare marketing director.
“This is a way to encourage them to try something they haven’t tried before and to get information about their health.”
Longest Day of Trails
Saturday’s Longest Day of Trails — timed to be just before the first day of summer, the summer solstice, on Monday — will begin at the start of the Larry Scott Trail in the Boat Haven.
The seventh annual event is for walkers and runner. In past years, bicyclists were offered a ride later in the afternoon, after runners had completed the course, but that is not happening this year, said event organizer Jeff Selby.
There are three running options, each with turn-around points that match standard run lengths.
The 5K turnaround is Mill Road, the 10K turnaround is just short of Nelson’s Landing and the half-marathon turns around just short of the Milo Curry trailhead.
Runners will be timed. Because distances have been certified by the USA Track and Field Association, runners can use the times as qualifiers for other certified races in the U.S., Selby said.
Each participant is assessed $30, which goes to the Peninsula Trails Coalition to support its efforts to extend the Larry Scott Trail to Discovery Bay, and to the Jumping Mouse Children’s Center.
Registration will continue to the day of the event.
Selby said about 60 people had signed up by Thursday but he expects up to twice that number to show up Saturday morning.
Expo’s focus
The hospital’s expo will focus on measuring health statistics and developing a plan to maintain healthy levels.
It includes free assessments of blood pressure, nutrition, physical therapy, body mass index and sleep apnea, among others.
Attendees will fill out a form indicating they have received material about activities and demonstrations, wellness assessment and health screenings along with their health goals.
When completed, they will be given a lunch voucher for the hospital’s Garden Road Cafe.
Most important, participants can expect a call from the hospital to enquire about their progress and help them achieve the goals they set.
While Jefferson County has a high percentage of senior citizens, the most common ailments — heart disease and skin cancer — aren’t necessarily age-related.
“People need to monitor exposure to the sun because skin cancer is one of the most preventable serious diseases,” Burke said.
People can always improve diet and increase exercise, but it is essential for them to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and other vital signs in order to stay healthy, Burke said.
“Good health care is about people taking ownership of their health and knowing they can make a significant difference,” she said.
For information about the expo, go to http://tinyurl.com/PDN-healthexpo.
Information about the Longest Day of Trails is available at http://tinyurl.com/PDN-fit.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
