On Saturday, September 25, PNWU’s Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (SAMOPS) club hosted their annual PNWU Warrior Run. The family-friendly, all-abilities obstacle course event brought participants together on the university’s back lawn where — through mud, underwires, and over grass fields — they provided support to Team RWB, an organization that strives to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. In the end, the Warrior Run raised over $500 for the organization.
“The course was challenging and fun,” explained PNWU Student Doctor Larissa Fischer, ENS, MC, USNR. “Each station had different levels of ability so there was something for everyone.”
As the PNWU SAMOPS club president, Fischer helped to organize this year’s event despite the many obstacles presented by COVID-19.
“This year was smaller and simpler than we would have liked, but it really came together to be a great event given our limitations,” she explained. “We have a lot of ideas to pass on to the next organizers and can’t wait to continue to watch the PNWU Warrior Run turn into an eagerly anticipated annual event in Yakima.”
“I want to give special thanks to the community that made this support possible,” Fischer continued. “Tim Surber, of State Farm Insurance, donated to our club to help fund the race, Les Schwab Tires delivered us tires to use for an obstacle, The East Valley Fire Department came out and made mud for the race and sprayed participants with water as they went through the course, our provost Dr. Bilsky took awesome photos while cheering on the participants, PNWU facilities and the COVID-19 assessment team helped with the planning and organization, and facilities manager Chris Wilde was a great help and support throughout the entire process. We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help, and I am sure I am missing at least a few people that made the day possible. We are very grateful to everyone!”