Mother’s Day tradition still running in Pocatello
For a dozen years, families in Pocatello have spent have the second Sunday in May getting active with their mothers.
“It’s 12 years of fun, creating a healthy tradition for lots of families here in Pocatello,” Southeastern Idaho Public Health’s Dana Solomon said.
The Mom ‘n Me Fun Run/Walk has drawn big crowds each year, but this Sunday’s event was a little different.
“It’s the first time we’ve been up here at the health department,” Solomon explained. “We usually are at the wellness complex or at a city park.”
The course is a little more challenging than usual, offering participants a 1.3-mile option and a 5k.
This year more than 400 people registered to participate.
“I just love to see the different families come, so my favorite part is that when we started, 12 years ago, we had a family, the Van Minsel family, had a little baby that they were carrying on the course and the little Van Minsel is running with mom and grandma, so it’s kind of a cool family tradition,” Solomon said.
That tradition is one the Van Minsel family plans to keep.
“Definitely, as long as I’m able and they’re still in the neighborhood we’re gonna keep doing it,” they said.
Katie Mickelson, daughter Grace, and grandmother Meg Van Minsel have been part of the event every year. The family doesn’t know what they’d be doing if they were there.
“Probably nothing, we gather in the afternoon for dinner together but I don’t know what we’d be doing. probably nothing, just sitting around, so it’s a good way to get out and get moving, exercise,” they added.
For Grace, the event has changed greatly over those twelve years. she’s gone from the stroller to take taking part herself, something she definitely prefers.
“Yes, because I’m actually like working out instead of just sitting there and kinda doing nothing,” she said. “Well you were a baby so it’s okay to do nothing,” Katie added.
Competitive as some may be, there is no clock and no winner. It’s just a fun way to spend the day.
“A nice and leisure morning and then you know, spend the rest of the day together, if you can,” Van Minsel added.
