King County Parks’ Big Backyard 5K, May 20 features live music, kids’ dash and more

Presented by Group Health, this fun and family-oriented event features concert with Caspar Babypants

King County Parks can help you stay true to your New Year’s resolution to be more active in 2012 with the third-annual Big Backyard 5K presented by Group Health, May 20 at Marymoor Park.

Benefitting King County Parks, the Big Backyard 5K starts at 9 a.m. and takes participants through beautiful Marymoor Park at the northern end of Lake Sammamish. The course is flat and participants are encouraged to bring their leashed dogs and strollers with them. The 5K runs through Marymoor Park along the Marymoor Connector Trail and the adjacent East Lake Sammamish Trail.

A free kids’ dash follows the fun run at 10 a.m., and then it’s time for a free live concert featuring Caspar Babypants at 10:30 a.m.

“With 26,000 acres of parks and 175 miles of regional trails, King County Parks offers a wide range of recreational opportunities that promote exercise and healthy activities,” said King County Parks Director Kevin Brown. “The Big Backyard 5K is a great activity for the whole family.”

“Group Health is pleased to sponsor the King County Big Backyard 5K for the third year in a row,” said Damien King, community relations manager for Group Health. “This event supports an active lifestyle and encourages the community to participate in their own health.”

For just $25, entrants will receive an event t-shirt, plus food, drinks and more on race day. Registration for the 2012 run is easy – sign up online at www.bby5k.com. The Big Backyard 5K promotes fitness and community involvement, and has raised nearly $75,000 for King County Parks in the past two years.

The 2012 fun run is also sponsored by ParentMap.

Funds help leverage King County taxpayers’ investment in parks, trails and open space by keeping these features open and safe for all to enjoy.

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King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 26,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs. Learn more at http://www.kingcounty.gov/parks/.

Group Health Cooperative
Marking its 65th year, Group Health Cooperative is an innovative, consumer-governed, nonprofit health care system that integrates care and coverage. Along with its subsidiary carriers, Group Health Options, Inc. and KPS Health Plans, Group Health works to improve the health of more than 663,000 plan members in Washington and Idaho. Group Health is ranked “Highest in Member Satisfaction among Commercial Health Plans in the Northwest Region, Two Years in a Row” by J.D. Power and Associates. More than 9,000 staff employed by Group Health and Group Health Physicians, its contracted, multispecialty group practice, provide patient-centered, evidence-based care to members and the broader community through medical centers, a charitable foundation, and a nationally recognized research center. Please visit the virtual newsroom on our Web site, www.ghc.org under “Newsroom.”

ParentMap: The intelligent, trusted essential resource connecting Puget Sound parents and community. http://www.parentmap.com/

Related information

Big Backyard 5K

Trails

Marymoor

King County Parks