ARLINGTON — Arlington High School senior James Clark hopes to help those who are coping with cancer and those who’d like to work on their New Year’s resolutions at the same time.
“If your New Year’s resolution is to lose some weight, what better way to do it than a 5K run?” asked Clark, who’s organizing a 5K fundraiser on Jan. 8, 2011, for his Relay for Life team next year.
For the past three years, Clark has taken part in the annual Relay for Life in Marysville as part of Kickin’ It for Cancer, the team organized by his mother, Linda Clark. Now that Arlington has its own Relay for Life, though, James Clark is splitting off from his mom’s team to start his own which will raise funds for the American Cancer Society in his hometown of Arlington.
“We did it in Marysville before because that was all there was,” said James Clark, whose team is Cross Country for a Cure. “I’ve got me and my brother confirmed, and about 10 other team members who are tentative.”
Clark feels strongly connected to this cause because both his uncle and his grandfather passed away from cancer, and he chose this outlet because of his passions.
“I just love running cross country,” Clark said. “Besides, I’m pretty competitive. More importantly, I don’t want anyone else to have to go through the loss that my family went through.”
Registration for the race starts at 8 a.m. at the Stillaguamish Athletic Club, located at 4417 172nd St. NE in Arlington, and the race itself starts at 10 a.m. All proceeds raised will go to Clark’s Relay for Life team, and in turn to the American Cancer Society.
“People should consider checking out the Relay for Life as well,” Clark said. “It’s the most fun event. You get to walk all night, meet local celebrities and party with your friends. It’s a blast. Plus, when they light up the luminary candles and people start sharing their stories, it’s really touching and brilliant.”
For more information or to register, log onto http://crosscountry4acure.weebly.com. To contact Clark, call 425-931-4057 or e-mail xc4acure@hotmail.com.
