Steps for Success

If children learn and understand the importance of exercise, they are more likely to make fitness a priority for the rest of their lives.

By: Kim Thornhill | Category: In Our Communities | Issue: October 2008

Dr. Jamie Blevins and her sons, (from left) Will, Jack and Bo, invite you to attend Route 66 Steps for Success on November 8 to benefit Sapulpa Public Schools. A health and wellness fair will follow the race.

Exercise is an important part of life for health and wellbeing, but children often choose television and video games as a sedentary way to pass the time after school and on the weekends.

Dr. Jamie Blevins would like to help change this way of thinking for families in Sapulpa and surrounding communities with the first-ever Route 66 Steps for Success 5K race and 1K fun run on Saturday, November 8.

“The importance of our youth and the constant need for school resources prompted me to organize the event to raise funds for Sapulpa Public Schools,” said Dr. Blevins. “Our mission is to raise awareness and promote the importance of health and wellness through fitness and education while creating a fun family event for the community.”

For Oklahoma’s serious runners, note that the 5K race is a USA Track and Field sanctioned event and certified course, officiated by Glen’s Road Race Service. “Running is a big thing in Oklahoma,” said Dr. Blevins. “We have some avid runners, and we want people to know this will be a quality race,” she said.

Runners of all ages and abilities can sign up for the race online at www.sapulpa5k.com. Online registration is $10 and race day registration is $15. Kids 12 and under race for free. T-shirts will be available for $10.

You may pick up registration forms at Runner’s World in Tulsa at 4329 S. Peoria or the Sapulpa Chamber office at 101 E. Dewey. Race-day packets will be available at Runner’s World beginning October 27. Packets can be picked up at the Creek County courthouse, 222 E. Dewey, the day of the race.

The 1K (.6 miles) starts at 2 p.m. and the 5K (3.1 mile) starts at 2:30 p.m. The 5K course begins at the courthouse and travels east on Dewey, turning south onto Mission, then west onto Taft, turning north on Main, and finishing east on Dewey at the courthouse.

The top three finishers in each age division and the top overall male and female finishers will receive Frankoma Pottery medallions and trivets made specifically for the Route 66 Steps for Success race.

Besides the race and walk, the event will feature participation of various organizations and businesses, including Walgreens Home Care and the Indian Health Center. They’ll be on hand to educate on topics such as diabetes, chronic asthma and allergy management. Nursing students from Langston, TU, OU, TCC, ORU and Central Tech will also be on site offering education on a variety of health and wellness topics. Eateries including Panera Bread and McDonald’s will provide healthy snacks and food samples. Live music will be provided by Over Edukated and other local talent from the Sapulpa area. Entertainment and health and wellness booths will begin at 1:30 p.m.

According to the American Heart Association, nearly ten million children and adolescents ages 6 to 19 were considered overweight in 2005, and that number is steadily climbing. Activities like the Route 66 Steps for Success can show families that exercise is fun. “As a community, we need to invest in our kids and in ourselves,” said Dr. Blevins.

If children learn and understand the importance of exercise, they are more likely to make fitness a priority for the rest of their lives. “They sleep better, eat better and feel good about themselves with exercise. Positive outcomes result when you are healthy and fit,” said Dr. Blevins.

Dr. Blevins has two sons, Bo and Will, that participate in the Freedom Running Club at Freedom Elementary. Bo will run in the Steps for Success 5K and his younger brothers, Will and Jack, will participate in the 1K fun run.

Sponsors for the event include American Heritage Bank, Hasco Manufacturing Co., Standard Distributing Co., Bennett Steel and the Sapulpa Daily Herald.

If you are unable to attend the event but would like to make a donation, send checks to Route 66 Steps for Success, Attn: Jamie Blevins, c/o Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce, 101 E. Dewey, Sapulpa, OK 74066. All donations benefit Sapulpa Public Schools. For more information, call Dr. Jamie Blevins at (918) 779-6001 or visit www.sapulpa5K.com.

For more information, contact

Route 66