Run happy, run Mondays

Frontiersman Archive May 30, 2014

Top, Some 55 runners turned out for the first week of the Happy Run Series on May 12. Below, Young runner Emily Bishop holds an Active Soles gift certificate won at last week’s run in Palmer. Active Soles Performance Footwear sponsors the weekly race series, which includes costumes and prizes. The 3.2-mile run begins at 6 p.m., Mondays at the Koslosky Center in Palmer and ends at 7 p.m. at the Palmer Ale House. Photos by Emily Forstner For the Frontiersman

By Emily Forstner For the Frontiersman

PALMER — It’s free. It’s low key. It’s for everyone. Best of all, it’s fun. The Monday night Active Soles Happy Run Series is off to a happy start this summer with lots of smiles. Mondays at 6 p.m. dozens of friendly runners, joggers, and walkers meet at Active Soles Performance Footwear in the Koslosky Center to run through Palmer.

“It started with Anne [Thomas, owner of Body in Balance Physical Therapy] and Buzz Biz Studio in Anchorage. They got the poster designed and the details worked out,” said Kate Arnold, Happy Run promoter along with her husband and Active Soles manager, Lance Arnold.

The free Monday night series continues throughout the summer, and longer if it is feasible. The runs are non-competitive. To make it just a little more fun, the runs also include weekly costume themes, ranging from super heroes to patriot colors of red, white, and blue.

“The first week [on May 12] we had 55 people. The second week we had 35, and last week we had 37 people come,” Arnold said. “We’re really glad to see so many kids involved. The kids usually outnumber the adults.”

The 3.2-mile course changes each week, but always ends at the Palmer Ale House on Dahlia Street. Raffle prizes — from shoes to socks and always the coveted free Palmer Ale House pizza — begin at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Lance or Mike at 746-0600, or check out the Active Soles Performance Footwear Facebook page.