ICHS Foundation sponsors Lunar New Year 5k Run-Walk in Bellevue

Online registration has now opened for the inaugural Lunar New Year 5k run/walk at the Mercer Slough Nature Park in Bellevue on Sunday, February 7, 2016.

The event, organized by International Community Health Services (ICHS) Foundation, is the first-ever Lunar New Year 5k in the region.

The Lunar New Year is the traditionally the most significant holiday for many Asian Pacific Islanders, marking the return of Spring and a special time for families to offer wishes for health and prosperity in the coming year. Next year the Year of the Monkey begins on Monday, February 8.

The Lunar New Year 5k will take place on Super Bowl Sunday, which is also the day before the official start of the Year of the Monkey.

“We’re encouraging folks to start out their Sunday with a healthy activity and support for a great charitable cause before they sit down to watch the game,” ICHS Foundation Director Ron Chew said. “It’s a nice way to kick off the Lunar New Year, too.”

Last year, ICHS provided nearly $1 million in charity care. Proceeds from the 5k event will go toward supporting uncompensated patient care.

The 5 kilometer event (3.1 miles) is open to both runners and walkers and will be timed. The flat scenic course is a mix of paved paths and forest trails bypassing wildlife habitats and farmlands. The race starts promptly at 9:30 am and ends before 11:30. Ample parking is available on site.

Registration is $25 before January 24, $30 before February 6 and $40 on race day. There is a discount of $10 for seniors over 65 and children ages six to 12. Children five and under are free.

More information on the ICHS website.

ICHS has a large clinic in Shoreline, on Aurora, which provides medical and dental services to anyone in need.