The 11th annual Clark Public Utilities Race for Warmth broke participation records Sunday, Jan. 26, with 1,750 runners, walkers and cyclists participating. This year’s event, which featured a 5-kilometer walk/run, a timed 10K run, a kids race starting at Fort Vancouver Way and a 16-mile bike ride from Hudson’s Bay High School, marked the largest turnout in its history.
The race supports Operation Warm Heart, a donation-funded program by Clark Public Utilities that helps Clark County households facing financial crises pay their utility bills. Since its inception in 1985, the program has distributed nearly $5 million in assistance to over 19,000 customers.
Clark Public Utilities Communications Manager Dameon Pesanti said the program offers assistance to those who may not qualify for other forms of financial aid.
“Operation Warm Heart is able to offer them peace of mind, knowing that their lights will stay on, their house will stay warm, and they can use those precious dollars that they have to fund other … important parts of their lives,” Pesanti said. “This is the largest turnout we have had for the Race for Warmth, and it’s extremely gratifying to see such a great turnout because it is such a reminder of how community-focused and generous so many of our customers are.”
With registration fees set at $40 in advance and $50 on race day, the event raised at least $70,000 for the cause. Donations to Operation Warm Heart are accepted year-round at clarkpublicutilities.com/community-environment/what-we-do/operation-warm-heart.
