OTHELLO — More than 1,200 people took part in Columbia Basin Health Association’s ninth annual Run for a Cause 5K, an event that raises money to help local families and support community projects throughout the Columbia Basin. Participation this year was a new record for the event.
The colorful 5K, held Aug. 22 at CBHA’s Othello clinic, brought runners, walkers and families together for a morning of exercise, food, games and activities. Organizers estimated another 180 family members attended after the race.
But the run’s biggest impact comes after the finish line.
“Every dollar that we raise stays here in our communities,” said Blake Barthelmess, CBHA’s vice president of strategy and business solutions.
Barthelmess said proceeds have been used to provide essentials for local families, including warm clothing, books and toys. CBHA has also contributed to community parks and recreation programs for projects such as playground and park equipment improvements.
In other cases, the money goes directly to families facing significant challenges because of a child’s medical condition.
“We try to provide for some of their needs,” Barthelmess said.
That local focus has been part of the Run for a Cause since its beginning. CBHA held its inaugural 5K in 2018 to raise awareness of chronic childhood conditions and support families dealing with them. The organization said proceeds from that first event were used to help local families with special needs and to support spinal muscular atrophy research.
For CBHA CEO Nieves Gomez, the cause has a personal connection.
Gomez and his wife, Valerie, lost their infant son, Liam, to spinal muscular atrophy. Barthelmess said that experience is what Gomez refers to as his “why” for the event.
“He and his wife, Valerie, lost a son to SMA,” Barthelmess said. “And, you know, for him, that’s a reason to run.”
The event has evolved since its first year, but that connection to children and families remains central. CBHA now describes the run as a celebration of childhood health and well-being, with proceeds going toward needs in the communities it serves. The organization’s current event materials specifically say the money raised stays in the community and can help provide essentials for families and improve local parks.
The event also continues to emphasize participation over competition. Runners, walkers, strollers and wagons are welcome, and participants pass through color stations along the course before gathering for food and family activities.
This year’s fastest male runner was Carlos de la Cruz, who finished in 18 minutes, 59 seconds. Amelia Olascon was the fastest female runner, finishing in 22 minutes. But for the majority, the race isn’t competitive, it’s just fun. Participants can walk, run, ride on bikes, scooters, strollers, skateboards, or whatever other non-powered conveyance they choose.
The race was supported by 137 volunteers, including teams from the Othello Food Bank, STCU, Coordinated Care and Columbia Bank.
Nine vendors also participated, including The Corndog Company, Blacky’s Smokin’ Sweet, La Combia, The Tiki Hut, Chuy’s Creations, Vida Juice and Sweet Sipz.
Barthelmess said the event has steadily grown in participation, vendors and community support since its first year. That growth has CBHA looking ahead to next year’s 10th anniversary. He added that Gomez has issued one directive for next year, “make it bigger for the 10th anniversary.”
