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Rotary Run for Rwanda kicks off Bowfest day

Oh no, is the end of summer really in sight? Bowfest is one of the signs that the summer vacation is nearly over, and everywhere on Bowen preparations are in progress for this day of music and fun. But wait.

Oh no, is the end of summer really in sight? Bowfest is one of the signs that the summer vacation is nearly over, and everywhere on Bowen preparations are in progress for this day of music and fun. But wait. Let's not forget the second annual Rotary Run for Rwanda, also taking place on August 25. What better way to start the day than a healthy run or walk to bolster up your appetite for the fun in store for you later that day; what better spot is there to watch the parade than the library lawn when post-race treats and the prize-giving are finished? Members of the Rotary Club of Bowen like to think that the annual Rotary Run for Rwanda is becoming a fixture of Bowfest Day. Last year, over $3,000 was raised to support impoverished girls in Rwanda at high school, and this year it is hoped to do even better as every year more needy girls are added to the Komera Project list.

This event caters to all ages and abilities. The kids' race, for children aged 9 and under, starts at the ferry dock at 8:30 a.m. and winds through 1.5k of Crippen Park, ending back at the library. All participants receive medals, and this year, thanks to the Bowfest committee, the first 30 kids to register will receive free Bowfest passes. There are still a few tickets going begging, so sign up soon. There will be a rush at the end. Last year there were over 40 runners and strollers and dogs are allowed.

The 10k and 5k races start at 9 a.m. at the dock, and the routes are the same as last year. If you prefer a leisurely walk through the park, you can start just behind the runners. A map is available on the website, www.rotaryrunforrwanda.com. Also on the website are registration details; a new feature is on-line registration, but you can also download the registration form and hand it in at the First Credit Union office and Phoenix until noon next Friday. Some registration forms are available at these outlets for those who don't have printers at home. On Friday, August 24, between 4 and 7 p.m., volunteers will be handing out numbers and registering latecomers on the library lawn. Race day registration is not desirable but possible, although it will cost you an extra $5.

Komera founder Margaret Butler will be here to cheer on and time the runners. She will also be handing out fun prizes from Rwanda plus some other goodies from Forerunners and Union Steamship Company to the winners of the runs. She will also be able to fill you in on any information you would like on the work that she and her NGO are doing in Rwanda.