This Saturday, October 12, PNWU’s Military Medicine Club will once again host their annual Warrior Run.
Proceeds from the family-friendly 5K obstacle course will benefit the Friends of Fischer House Puget Sound, which provides homes for military members/veterans and their families to stay at in times of medical need.
We recently caught up with Warrior Run organizer Student Doctor Alex King, PNWU-COM Class of 2027, to discuss getting dirty for a good cause.
(PNWU) Why should members of our community sign up and participate in this year’s run?
(Student Dr. Alex King) Warrior Run is an all-around fun event for families and students.
With the addition of a Mini Warrior Run for kids this year, we wanted to make this an event that encompassed more members of our community.
It’s a great opportunity for students to work with members of the community and for the community to get to know PNWU and the passion we have for Yakima.
What are you hoping to see on the day of the event? What should participants expect?
We are hoping to see a lot of smiling faces and for everyone’s inner warrior to come out!
As medical students that are also in the military, we have to complete an officer training course during our time in school, which pushes us to dig deep and accomplish hard things we did not think we could. I believe that Warrior Run gives everyone that opportunity: to see how they can push themselves to complete a hard thing and feel great about it after.
Participates can expect to have a hard day of running, getting dirty, and have a sense of accomplishment when they are done; all while supporting a cause SAMOPS (Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons) is passionate about.
How do events like this reflect the passions of you and your fellow SAMOPS members?
As SAMOPS members, we strive to do what we can in our communities to bring awareness to a population that blends in with all of us but has decided to serve their country.
By partnering with Friends of Fischer House every year for this event, we hope to start to make an impact now.
As medical professionals we will undoubtedly encounter patients who are veterans or are currently serving in the military. With events like Warrior Run we hope to bring awareness to this population and provide opportunities to learn more about how to connect with military members, military families, and veterans.
