PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson Healthcare hospital will host an inaugural Runners Symposium in April that will feature world-class marathoners.
The daylong symposium — set at the hospital at 834 Sheridan St. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 7 — is the first of its type in Jefferson County and on the North Olympic Peninsula, said Kate Burke, marketing manager.
Admission is free.
Keynote speakers
Kim Jones, a noted woman marathoner who was ranked third in the world in 1991, and Jon Sinclair, all-time cumulative men’s point leader in the Runners World Road Race rankings since 1979, are the keynote speakers.
They will discuss the “Power of Lifelong Running.”
Jefferson Healthcare and Swedish Medical sports medicine professionals will present medical information in preparation for race day.
Dr. David King, Jefferson Healthcare’s newest orthopedic surgeon, will speak on preventing joint injuries.
Dr. Erik Brand of Swedish Medical, the medical doctor for the London Olympics; Dr. Sean Colio, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and Dr. Jeffrey Moo, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, will discuss sports medicine.
Dr. Nathan Segerson of Kitsap Cardiology Consultants will speak on the “Mature Runner’s Heart.”
Arran Stark will demonstrate healthy cooking in the cafe.
On the main floor, physical therapy screenings for functional movement, lung capacity, dynamic ultrasound and foot screenings and shoe recommendations will be ongoing all day.
Prizes, registration
There will be vendor booths and raffle prizes, as well as time to register for the Rhody Run, training programs for adults at Port Townsend Athletics and Kids Boot Camp with Jefferson County Parks and Recreation.
Tickets will be on sale for $10 for Jefferson Healthcare’s Dine & Dash, set in the hospital cafe from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 18.
The event will combine a carb-load dinner with early race registration pickup for the Rhody Run the next day.
The Runners Symposium is being offered as a kickoff to the running season and in conjunction with the Kids Boot Camp and CrossFit for adults conditioning programs starting April 8 for those who want to get in top shape for the Rhody Run.
Boot camp
The Kids Fit Middle School Boot Camp is offered by Jefferson County Parks for children from 10 to 14 years old.
For more information or to register, visit www.countyrec.com.
The adult CrossFit is being held at Port Townsend Athletic Club.
Registration is being accepted at www.porttownsendathletic.com.
Jefferson Healthcare is a major sponsor of the Rhody Run, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
Registration for the run will be accepted at the symposium, or runners can visit www.rhodyrun.org.
For more information about the symposium, visit www.jeffersonhealthcare.org/events.