Racers take their first strides to begin the Longest Day 10K in Fairhaven. Bryce Johnson, center, leads the pack of runners. // Photo by Zack Jimenez
Emily Erskine
The Whatcom chapter of Teach One to Lead One was kickstarted by Bellingham resident Jacob Mack in 2018. Stemming from his compassion for children in need and his history as a foster parent, Mack said he wanted to create an environment of understanding and support for local youth.
“It's something that my wife Allison and I have been passionate about for a really long time,” Mack said. “This organization is different than any organization I've ever seen in that it couples with curriculum, which is amazing.”
The Longest Day 10K was organized by race co-directors Lori Reese and Molly McKenna, with the support of Scott Hume, CEO of Salish Wealth Management.
“We started discussions in October,” Reese said. “But I think I really started planning [the event] out once Scott came on board. I think that was like January or February. So, about eight months.”
The race was designed for participants to give directly to the program by requiring $30 to enter, $10 of which goes to Teach One to Lead One.
“We want to give them [Teach One to Lead One] a platform because there's 750 different nonprofit organizations here in Whatcom County alone, so it's hard to get noticed,” Reese said. “We wanted to give them opportunity for the community to get to know them.”
While participants and sponsors were responsible for fundraising efforts of the mentorship program, community volunteers helped to keep the event running smoothly, staffing checkpoints and food tents at the end of the race.
Michael Jay was one such volunteer. He helped put together gift bags for the participants after the race.
“I volunteered because I had a friend who was running and we’re here to support him,” Jay said. “I thought if we were going to show up to support him we might as well help out.”
Jay was a runner for many years and said he missed it a great deal. Volunteering for this kind of event is a great opportunity for anyone uninclined or unable to run to stay engaged in their community, Jay said.
Jay said he was excited not only to support his friend and raise money for a charitable cause, but to also make new connections with other volunteers.
Jeri Delatorre, another volunteer at the event and mentor with Teach One to Lead One, echoed this sentiment.
“The awesome part of volunteering is the opportunity to meet new people,” Delatorre said. “It's been fun to meet Michael and his wife and a lot of people here.”
At 38 minutes and 10 seconds, the first racer, Bryce Johnson, crossed the finish line. Speakers blasted pump-up music as the announcer called his name.
Johnson came forward to receive his medal and cool down after the lengthy run.
“It went great,” Johnson said. “I thought it was a really cool event they put on and I’m happy to donate the money that went toward the race.”
This was the inaugural Longest Day 10K race, but after receiving so many positive responses, volunteers and participants alike looked forward in anticipation for many more to come.
“Get out there and do it,” Jay said. “Be an active participant in your community.”
