NEWS

1200 participants " Run Away with Cirque du Soleil" at the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas

It all started before the crack of dawn. So early, in fact, that finding an open coffee shop was a challenge. Yet, by the time the clock struck six on the morning of Saturday March 29, dozens of volunteers were already hard at work at the Springs Preserve. Milling around in the dark, they could be heard more than seen as they prepared for the annual Run Away with Cirque du Soleil 5K run and 1M fun walk. 

But then the sun rose in the East, shyly at first but with no uncertainty, forecasting the great day to come..Here, the stage was being set and the sound was being checked. There, the Cirque du Monde crew was putting together the play area and make-up station. Coffee finally arrived and, shortly thereafter, so did the first of the runners and walkers. Many more would follow: This edition of the run/walk attracted more than 1200 participants, almost doubling the numbers from the 2006 event.

Before the race began, artist Antonio Drija, from Zumanity, proceeded to get everyone warmed-up with a few strategic moves and a whole lot of wit. He was one of the many Cirque du Soleil artists on hand to make this event a success, many of whom had worked late into the night before and would be performing in two shows that very evening.

The always entertaining Flo Rogers, General Manager and on-air personality of Nevada Public Radio, very graciously agreed to MC the event again this year. Also there to mark the occasion and fire the start gun was none other that Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, a local celebrity in his own right. He saluted the runners for their community involvement and applauded their commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle.

And then they were off, runners and walkers alike. From the running aficionados adding the 5K run to a circuit of events and trying to shave seconds off their time, to walkers taking advantage of a beautiful spring day with their friends and family, all came united for the same cause and were unanimously in awe of the perfect setting that is the Springs Preserve.

But the day was bigger than just the run/walk. It was an opportunity to see first hand the brilliant work of our social partners, as evidenced by the performance from the André Agassi Cirque du Monde group, and to get acquainted with some of the kids that are helped by our partners' programs and Cirque du Monde. The Cirque du Soleil All-Star Band was on hand to entertain the crowd. The raffle prizes were drawn and the best time winners in various categories were announced. The day was a great success and, overall, more than $45,000 were raised.

We invite you to run away with us again next year on March 21, 2009 !