Mercer Island students get ready for Rotary Run

This weekend, as runners line up for the annual Mercer Island Rotary Half Marathon, over 70 elementary students will be taking part in the 5k event.

By Reporter Staff • March 19, 2013 11:47 am
Mercer Island elementary students have been meeting on Friday mornings to prepare to race in this weekend’s Rotary Run 5k race. Around 70 students plan to participate in the event.
Mercer Island elementary students have been meeting on Friday mornings to prepare to race in this weekend’s Rotary Run 5k race. Around 70 students plan to participate in the event.

This weekend, as runners line up for the annual Mercer Island Rotary Half Marathon, over 70 elementary students will be taking part in the 5k event.

Mercer Island resident and longtime runner Susan Empey organized and volunteered to help get local elementary students ready for the event. The students are from each of the three Mercer Island elementaries — some with experience, and others participating in their first ever race.

Over the last several Fridays, the kids gather at Islander Middle School early in the morning, running from the track, circling around Pioneer Park and back to the school.

The race will take place on Sunday, March 24, featuring thousands of runners from around the world, including the elementary students in the 5k.

To learn more about the race, or to volunteer, visit www.mercerislandhalf.com.