Blue Sky Education Project, in conjunction with the Bellingham Sister Cities Association is proud to present: The Second Annual Wind Horse Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay Run for Education.
Run 13.1 miles on Bellingham’s beautiful Interurban Trail which spans from Fairhaven Park to Clayton Beach. Run the whole distance yourself or split the trip with a friend. After the race, enjoy Mongolian traditional food and music.
This race raises funds for children in Mongolia to attend school. $50.00 covers annual expenses for textbooks, school supplies, and school uniforms for a child. Bellingham’s newest sister city, Tsetserleg, Mongolia, will become official this summer. Funds from this race will be presented by delegates from Bellingham when citizens from both cities sign their Sister Cities agreement this August in Tsetserleg.
Course Details:
This is a low-key,no-frills, 13.1-mile race. The race begins and ends at Fairhaven Park and turns around at the Clayton Beach Parking lot (two-person relay teams can station their second runner at Clayton Beach).
There will be two aid stations each direction and one at the end for a total of five water stations. Each aid station will represent another of Bellingham’s Sister Cities, complete with costumes and national refreshments. There will be no timing chips.
About Tsetserleg and the significance of the “Wind Horse”:
Tsetserleg, located in the central part of the Khangai mountain range, is the current provincial capital of Arkhangai province. Founded in 1586 by the first Khalkh Zaya Bandita Luvsanperenlei, Tsetserleg is an ancient cultural center of Mongolia. Estimated population is 20,000. Average altitude is 7,920 feet (2,414m) above sea level.
The Mongolian phrase for the “Wind Horse” is Xийморь (pronounced Khiimori). It refers to one’s spirit or soul. The Wind Horse is the perfect image for both the love of running and the advantage that education gives children.
Race Registration:
Fee for this race is a $30.00 suggested donation if you register online. You can also register on the day of the race with a suggested donation of $35. We’re closing registration at 200 participants, however, so be sure and register early!
Race Day Information:
Date: Saturday, July 21, 2012
Location: Fairhaven Park, Bellingham, WA – For directions click here.
Time: Bib pick-up and registration starts at 7:30am. Race begins at 8:30am
Finish: We have awesome medals, and winners will be awarded a Mongolian khadag. You’ll have to finish to find out what that is!
