La Center kicked off the new year as hundreds of people laced up their running shoes to support high school athletics at the third annual La Center Resolution Run, Saturday, Jan. 4.
Proceeds from the annual race and the accompanying pancake breakfast, prepared by teachers and parents, help cover expenses such as equipment, travel and uniforms. This year, a portion of the funds was also designated for the track and field program to support its equipment needs and facility upkeep.
Volleyball team members played a key role in the event, serving pancakes and drinks to runners after the race. Head volleyball coach Cymany O’Brien emphasized the importance of the fundraiser and the community connection the event fosters.
“I believe in service work, and so this is a great thing for us to do through feeding people,” O’Brien said. “It's a great event and it's nice to see it grow every year.”
In November last year, the Wildcats volleyball team placed fourth at the 1A state tournament. The funds raised helped cover essentials such as uniforms, equipment and travel expenses. Last year, the event generated $1,700 for the team.
The annual run is organized by Why Racing Events, led by owner and director Karissa Skarberg-Schoene, whose connection to La Center athletics inspired her to create the race. Her daughter played on the volleyball team around the time of the first run in 2022, and she saw an opportunity to support local sports programs through the event.
This year, the track and field team joined as a beneficiary and provided key support as volunteers, serving as course marshals and managing water stations along the race route.
The scenic course began and ended at the La Center track, guiding runners through Holley Park and the Brezee Creek Trail system. The 5K loop included a picturesque crossing over the La Center Road bridge, turning back to return through Fourth Street in downtown La Center. The 10K route required runners to complete the loop twice. Skarberg-Schoene highlighted the special terrain of the city, calling it an excellent challenge for runners of all levels.
“I think Clark County is Run-Country USA, I think we have some of the best running hills,” Skarberg-Schoene said.
Despite its ongoing status as a community tradition, the Resolution Run faces significant challenges. Skarberg-Schoene noted that entry fees cover only about half of the event’s expenses, including timing equipment and speaker systems. She hopes to increase community participation and encourage more runners to support locally organized races like this one.
“This race actually loses money. We're trying to get it to about 500 to 600 participants so it can break even and we can continue to host it,” she said.
The race’s impact reached beyond La Center, attracting participants like Michael Wegner, a Navy officer stationed near Seattle. Wegner, who recently recovered from heart surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat, traveled to La Center to compete in the 10K — and emerged as the first-place finisher. Wegner was grateful to stay committed to his training while supporting an event with a meaningful impact on the community.
“I do think it’s a great cause,” Wegner said regarding the race. “... I would just say for anybody who’s looking to compete, just keep at it. Never stop, even if you get discouraged.”
