Why I'm Participating in the Virtual #BigHouse5K: Jennifer Fike
4/9/2020 7:47:00 AM | Features, Community Engagement
The 2020 Big House 5K presented by Toyota will benefit six local, non-profit organizations selected based on the support they provide to our Washtenaw County community in key areas like housing, healthcare, the arts, youth programming and social services. In the weeks leading up to the race, MGoBlue.com will share stories from people inspired to participate this year because of one of the beneficiaries.
Please note: The University of Michigan Athletics Department and U-M health professionals are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting impact on our communities. In alignment with the University's protocols, we have canceled the 2020 Big House 5K. However, the 2020 race has moved to a virtual format. In the interest of "social distancing," we are encouraging our registrants to support our beneficiaries and participate in our Virtual #BigHouse5K.
By Jennifer Fike
My name is Jennifer Fike and I'm excited to be running the Virtual #BigHouse5K in support of the Huron River Watershed Council.
As a lifelong runner, I look forward to local races where I can test my fitness level and compare results from past years (yes, I'm slowing down) and race with fellow runners from my running group, PR Run Club. It's great fun to line up at the start of the Big House 5K focused on crossing the (virtual)Â 50-yard line and slapping the (virtual) M Club Go Blue banner at the finish, but I'll also be thinking about the training that got me there.
I'm grateful to live in Ann Arbor where there are so many scenic places to run and my favorites are along the beautiful Huron River. I'm proud to support the Huron River Watershed Council for protecting and restoring this beautiful resource that contributes greatly to my quality of life.
Runners take it for granted that there will be clean water provided during the races, but do we stop to think about where the water comes from? The Huron River Watershed Council is working hard to make sure the source of Ann Arbor's water is clean and we have beautiful places to run, observe wildlife, canoe, and enjoy! As a long-time runner and Ann Arborite, I'm proud to support the Huron River Watershed Council.
About Huron River Watershed Council
The Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) is southeast Michigan's oldest environmental organization dedicated to river protection. HRWC protects and restores the river for healthy and vibrant communities. HRWC envisions a future of clean and plentiful water for people and nature where citizens and government are effective and courageous champions for the Huron River and its watershed.
HRWC monitors the Huron River, its tributaries, lakes, and groundwater, and leads programs on pollution prevention and abatement, wetland and floodplain protection, public education, and natural resource and land-use planning.
Since we were formed, the HRWC has served as a place where local units of government and citizens have discussed problems and sought solutions to critical issues affecting the River. We have accomplished our goals through the use of technical data, factual information, and citizen stewardship to influence decisions made by various local and state agencies.
For more information, visit hrwc.org
