Connecting the Family to Events

Not everyone is a hardcore runner. Some of us just run for the fun of it. To be part of the community. With those people in mind, All Things Fun Sports (ATFS) was founded in 2017 by Puyallup residents Kim Field, Liz Larson, Heather Shadko and Amy Wertz as a way to give back to their community. According to spokesperson Kim Field, “We are unique – we are not a runner’s kind of company. We are for people who run and walk – not for serious runners.”

With the help of their mapper, Lisa Pyle, ATFS creates more than 20 fantastic runs and walks each year, including two off-site runs in the beach communities of Ocean City and Westport.

From their first Thanksgiving run in 2017 that hosted 50 people, ATFS has grown to presenting two races on Thanksgiving that sell out and exceed 400 runners. The organization puts on 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and more, but each with a fun twist and theme. For example, the Big Foot Trail run only allows 100 runners because of the challenge of the course while the Mimosa Run benefits a local animal shelter. Plus, their Explore Puyallup run is one of the only free races in the state and it still has great prizes

BY LYNN CASTLE

Through the generous support of South Sound Running and Pierce County Parks, plus amazing volunteer support like running ambassador Craig Godfrey, ATFS is able to complete its mission. “We specialize in small. We put a run together better than anybody else because we want to put on the best run we possibly can,” said Field.

When asked what was her favorite race, Field was torn because she loves so many of them. “All of the races are so special, but I really love the Summer Solstice because it is fun to see people dressed in their best hippy outfit and our mapper Lisa creates such picture-perfect route backdrops.”

Another favorite that stands out is the Run Some More weekend event in Ocean City. The two-day run event has one of its runs at sunset that is lit up by solar powered tiki torches. “It really is a beach party and people LOVE it.”