The Bear Cupboard Cubby Run

Woke up early this morning and got Zoey ready for the Bear Cupboard Cubby Run (her first ever run). Our local food pantry put together this wonderful event to help support those that are in need in this area. In addition to the cubby run there was a 5K and a 10K timed run as well. Ethan participated in both the cubby run and the 10K run. I had no idea what to expect regarding Zoey and if she would even enjoy it. She was pumped and ready to go though and having one of her best buddies there sure did help. Here she is with Ruby walking to the start of the race (which was the bridge entering onto the Bearskin Trail).



There was a nice little turnout for the cubby run and lots more people for the bigger, timed races.



Ethan was such a good sport in watching over the kiddos...



Gearing up for the take-off!



All the kids were told to NOT let the bear pass them up! :) It's safe to say that all the kids were in luck on this day!







And here she is after her finished run with her ribbon! She was so proud...she ran the entire time which impressed me (it was a 1K). I had been telling her all morning that she could break and walk if she needed to and she apparently did not! It was the first thing that she told me when I met her at the finish line..."Mom, I ran the WHOLE way!"



Here are the three little amigos!



This scene though had me and my friend Misty (the mother of the little guy pictured) crying tears through our laughter. After the initial crowd of kids finishing the race there was a lull in runners coming into the finish line...then it was nobody at all...and then you saw this pair trotting along:



The light was terrible due to the shade, but I love this shot!

And here is the Papa bear and baby bear team...so cool that this could maybe be "their" thing that they share together.



So very happy and proud.

After the race there was face painting in the park, music, fresh fruit and some bear claws to enjoy, a wood carver carving a bear out of a tree stump, free massages...and lots of other fun stuff going on. Such a great event...I hope that it becomes an annual event as it truly was something to be proud of for those that organized it, the community and for those participating.