Pound the Pavement

By Julie Guggemos
Contributing Writer

You’ve seen them preparing on the sidewalks and the streets, those runners training for the Fargo Marathon. They run, or sometimes trot, at an even pace, putting to shame those of us who think of one mile as a feat of great prestige. I almost hit one of those neon-clad runners with my car the other night as he darted into the crosswalk. Good thing I obey all stop signs.

For the first time, the Plains Art Museum is forming a fundraising team to raise money for arts education.  The campaign is called Pound the Pavement for PAM and is a partnership with the Go Fargo Charity Run component of the Fargo Marathon. The museum is looking for participants to sign up who want to get active and run for the arts.

“We chose this fundraiser because it will be fun and active,” said Kris Kerzman, communication manager at the PAM, “plus it will help us reach a new audience.”

Kerzman said Pound the Pavement for PAM is an opportunity to help support the museum and their arts education programs, which are vital additions to a strong community.

“We certainly encourage anyone out there who enjoys the programming, exhibitions or classes at the museum to consider pitching in and helping us raise some money,” Kerzman said.

Runners of every ability are encouraged to participate, whether that means a walk/run combo in the 5K or 10K, or a full-on 26.1-mile marathon.

Along with a handful of other PAM staffers, Kerzman is participating in the 5K, and said he will probably be doing more walking than running.

“The streets in my neighborhood are awful, so I haven’t had the chance to do any training,” he said, “but once the sidewalks are clear, I’m going to try to at least get to the point where I don’t embarrass myself too badly.”

Kerzman said he suspects many potential runners and fundraisers are experiencing the same post-winter frustrations as ice sticks to the sidewalks, making an injury and slip-free run seem like a pipe dream. The poor weather and road conditions have caused a slow start to Pound the Pavement recruitment.

“Right now, participation isn’t where we’d like it to be,” Kerzman said. “We had a goal of 25 runners and we’re maybe halfway there, although we’re hopeful that we’ll get more participation as the weather improves and people think about getting outside.”

Kerzman hopes museum supporters will look at this as an opportunity to have some fun and help out the museum at the same time.

Interested runners should register for any of the marathon events, which will take place during the weekend of May 20-21—5 K run/walk, 10K, ½ marathon or marathon—at http://www.fargomarathon.com.

Then, to run for the PAM, a participant must also register to be on the team by e-mailing Amanda at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or by calling 701.232.3821. The PAM requires a $25 entry fee for their recruited runners that will be applied toward an individual’s final donation goal.

Then participants are asked to sign up for a fundraising page at http://www.active.com/donate/plainsartmuseum. After this is set, the money raising can begin. Friends, family and coworkers can be tapped for donations by simply sending a link to the fundraising page, and PAM provides participants with language to use for emails and Facebook posts that will make fundraising a breeze.

The only thing left to do will be to train for the event. Preparing for the run remains the only difficulty, but don’t forget: some races allow walking. Run for health and wellness. Run for fun. Run for the arts.

There are lots of great incentives that each runner receives, like a t-shirt, a singlet for race day, some household memberships to the PAM for top earners and a free dinner the Monday prior to the marathon. All of the charity fundraisers running on behalf of the 30 participating nonprofits are invited to the dinner. Kerzman expects this to be a pretty big group. The plans for the evening include a keynote speaker and a silent auction.

“Plus, I’m fairly certain the dinner will be high in carbohydrates,” Kerzman said. 

On top of all of that, this should be a fun event. It encourages a healthy, active lifestyle while supporting the health of the community at the same time.

So how about it? Up for participating in a run that supports art education in your community and gets a little of that excess winter hibernation flab off your tummy? It’s time to don those sweatbands, Fargo.

Questions and comments: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

IF YOU GO:
Register for the marathon: http://www.fargomarathon.com. Then register for the PAM fundraiser by contacting Amanda: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or at 701.232.3821
Fundraising pages can be set up at: http://www.active.com/donate/plainsartmuseum
Details can be found at: plainsart.org/support/poundthepavement