Menard run supports worthy causes

August 9, 2005

Spectrum\Al Strawn

It has been my pleasure to work as a volunteer organizer for the Curtis C. Menard II Memorial Run for the past four years. The race was started in 2002 to honor the memory of Dr. Curtis C. Menard II, who was tragically killed in a small plane accident on Aug. 9, 2001.

Curtis was well known in the Mat-Su community and Alaska as a dedicated husband and father who enjoyed flying, hunting, fishing, running and cross-country skiing. He was involved with the Rotary Club of Wasilla for many years, and was serving as president at the time of his death.

Dr. Menard was a young man with a strong faith that he demonstrated daily through his work, involvement in his community and with his family. To this end he inspired many others to be the best they could be in life.

It is hard to imagine how much our community has changed in the past four years, with new road construction, the Parks/Glenn interchange, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, the Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex and thousands of new homes.

The Menard Run continues to change as well. The first race was truly a community celebration of Curtis' life. For every runner there were two or three walkers, young and old alike. After the race we all gathered for a picnic in the bright sunlight next to Wasilla Lake. Over time, the race has evolved into an elite sporting event, attracting the top runners from around Alaska and even a few from the Lower 48. In fact, for the past two years the Menard Run was sanctioned by the USATF as the 5K state championship race for Alaska.

One thing that has not changed over the years is the generous level of community support for the race and the worthy causes helped with the race proceeds. Over the past four years, financial sponsors of the race have allowed the Wasilla Rotary Club to fund $24,000 in educational scholarships to local graduating seniors. In addition, greatly needed funds were provided to The Children's Place to help it fulfill its mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect.

At the conclusion of this year's main event, we also organized a short race for young children. The course was one lap around the soccer field inside the sports complex. Running in the race was Curtis' 4-year-old son, Sullivan. It was very gratifying to watch, as the crowd cheered on the young runners. As Sullivan crossed the finish line (finishing second) it gave all of us new hope for the future.

As the years move on and as people come and go, it is my sincere hope this race will continue.

The legacy of Curtis and the run symbolizes the best values of our community: Faith, family and service. Thank you to the many people and organizations that have made this event possible.

Al Strawn is general manager of Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union.