Born to Run (#004) — I Heart Yakima

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ISSUE #004: Born to Run

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Hi Yak-peeps!

It’s always exciting when something new comes to town. Especially something that not only impacts individuals, but also has the power to elevate Yakima in a unique and different way. The Virginia Mason Downtown Yakima Mile does exactly this, and we’re proud to partner with them.

There’s a national movement to “Bring back the mile,” and The Downtown Yakima Mile is one of the flagship events, wooing elite athletes and sponsors alike to our town. But we especially love this race because a mile distance is ideal for most able-bodied folks, regardless of age or ability.

We’re going to be there, trying to run our fastest mile yet, and we hope you will, too.

In local love,
Bridget Russel, Lauren Lizardo, Jessica Hawkins

P.S. Congrats to our most recent Subscriber Crush Drawing winner: Jodi Picatti Rose. Consider yourself entered to win FREE IHY goods as a thank you for subscribing. Encourage a friend to subscribe - they will be entered to win too!

BORN TO RUN

We love it when people turn their passions into something new that lifts up our community.

Take Yakima natives and former high-school track rivals Erik Mickelsonand Chris Waddle, for example.They dreamed of bringing an elite mile road race, with national class elite runners, to town. Over the last year, their dream has been made real, and their vision is clear: The Virginia Mason Memorial Downtown Yakima Mile.

The Downtown Yakima Mile is a one-mile race that opens a beautiful, 14-block gradual downhill stretch of Yakima Avenue to runners of all ages and abilities who “want to run their fastest mile…EVER.”

Starting at 5:30pm on June 8, there will be 11 heats of mile races - back to back - from elite athletes to tiny tots. The race has more than $25,000 in prizes for athletes, attracting top level competitors from all over the west coast. And, The Virginia Mason Memorial Downtown Yakima Mile has selected to support the Yakima School District on their Community Schools Violence Prevention Program.

I Heart Yakima is proud to sponsor this inaugural event, an elite road race, yes, but also designed for anyone who wants to run, no matter how fast.

“Whether it’s the Fresh Hop Festival, a James Beard award-winning tamale restaurant, a world-class brewery or vineyard, watching the sun set at Music in the Vines, a top-notch athletic facility like SOZO, or an elite road race like the Yakima Mile -- these examples of passion, people, and purposeful vision becoming reality all create a base from which our community will grow,” adds Waddle. “We all win, and we will continue to share this vision, not because it is easy, but because it’s difficult.”

Are you born to run? Follow us on Instagram @iheartyakima and we’ll enter you into a drawing for a free Downtown Yakima Mile race entry. You can follow regular race updates on the Downtown Yakima Mile Facebook page.

THE LOVE LIST: BRIDGET'S PICKS

No pay for play. Ever.

Recently, an anonymous, Banksy-esque artist was leaving little drawings around North Town Coffee House for customers and employees to find. Needless to say, he delighted everyone. North Town was curious who this faceless good Samaritan was and crowd-sourced his identity: local artist Jacob Sanford. Thanks Jacob, for bringing smiles to our faces! Check out his artwork on Instagram @jakubfjorden.

Loving Urban Kitchen Yakima– pop-up restaurants where local teens cook and serve your dinner. Urban Kitchen Yakima is a culinary program for valley students, created by “Fat Pastor” Shawn Niles in collaboration with the Yakima Police Activities League (YPAL). Over the course of four months, students learn culinary skills, explore their own creativity, and develop business skills as they envision, plan, and carry out a three-night pop-up restaurant. Can’t wait for the next one.

Our collective love affair with Crafted runs deep. Owners Dan and Mollie Koommoo are painstakingly passionate about what they do – beautiful, delicious food, locally sourced from Yakima as often as possible. Did you know that they also sling hot dogs (most recently on their fun back patio), and have their own wine? If you’ve always wanted to try Crafted, give them a shot during Yakima Restaurant Week (March 22-28). With small plates at great prices, it’s the perfect time to try a new eatery in our city.

Did you miss Jessica's Love List in our last newsletter?! Not to worry, you can find it here.

HAPPENINGS

Tieton Open House :: April 27
18th Annual Cinco De Mayo Festival :: May 4-5
Opening Day for the Pippins :: June 7
Lavender Harvest Days 2019 :: July 12-14

INSTACRUSH #IHEARTYAKIMA

GET THE GOODS: LOCAL STOCKISTS

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