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A runner rings the bell at the Rainier-to-Ruston Rail-Trail Relay & Ultra.
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To learn more about the the Rainier-to-Ruston Rail-Trail Relay & Ultra, please visit http://rainiertoruston.com.
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| | Relay Event to Raise Money and Awareness for Rail-Trail Project
In celebration of National Trails Day this year, the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition will be hosting the 7th annual Rainier-to-Ruston Rail-Trail Relay & Ultra (R2R) on Saturday, June 6. The event benefits the Coalition's mission to complete a 50-mile rail-trail from Mt. Rainier to Puget Sound along an old Northwest Pacific railroad route. Moreover, the trail represents a key element in Pierce County's 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation case statement, which they prepared in support of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's ongoing efforts to double federal investment in trails, walking and bicycling.
R2R attracted a record 304 participants in 2008 and is expected to attract even more walkers and runners this year. As a qualifier for the Western States 100-mile Endurance Run, the race brings excitement and attention to the rail-trail project, which is well underway with 21 miles already completed. The race also adds to the local and national momentum the 2010 Campaign is building around trails and active transportation.
Initially envisioned as an activity for a small group of family and friends, R2R founder John Selby's idea has since grown to include hundreds of participants and 90 volunteers, from high school students to 80-year-old supporters. "It's so much fun seeing so many people have so much fun," says Selby. "It really does get people out on the trail. A lot of [them] get exposed to the trail that wouldn't otherwise know about it."
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