Money raised at race goes to help keep kids involved in organization

Adam Wise
Daily Tribune Staff

In a difficult economy, Kim Dirkes has seen numerous children being raised in families that are struggling financially.

So participating in Saturday's YMCA of South Wood County's fourth annual Turkey Trot, which raised money for children who can't afford programming and activities provided by the organization, meant that much more.

"I'm a school counselor (in the Neillsville School District), so I see it firsthand," Dirkes said of those children.

The 3.1 mile race held at Camp Alexander, 6410 Highway 13 S., saw dozens of runners participate in either a competitive race or one in which they predicted their finish times.

Jessica Artz, senior wellness director for the YMCA, helped host the event, which also featured a kids fun run for the first time.

"Due to the economy, the mills not being the strong supporters they used to be and other factors, it's been a big need," Artz said.

Dirkes competed in the run with friend and Leslie Bourget, 25, a Wisconsin Rapids native.

"I think I did well," Dirkes said, "Leslie kind of hung back."

"I just wanted to get out on a beautiful day and support the YMCA," said Bourget.

Bourget said the run was a perfect opportunity to do something different in central Wisconsin this weekend, but she also recognized the weekend event's overriding importance.

"With childhood obesity what it is, it's good they are getting kids active," Bourget said.

Runners in the competitive bracket raced to finish the Trot as fast as they could, but given the event's other bracket, friends could take their time around the three-loop course at Camp Alexander, Artz said.

"It's more family-friendly with the predicted (runners), and the kids race was fun."

Artz said about a dozen children ran the quarter-mile fun run.

"For the first year, that's pretty good," Artz said. "This is our way to kick off family wellness."