There is no better way to see some of the conference's
host city than to see it on foot. The annual SMA Fun
Run, Walk, or Watch offers attendees the chance to
stretch their legs and see local highlights. The event is
not timed or precise in any way, which is part of the fun.
The course in Seattle hugged the waterfront along
Puget Sound, but things began well after sunset,
so it was dark. Fortunately, the waterfront path is
well illuminated, and enhanced by the festively lit
Seattle Great Wheel and lit cranes, buildings, public
art installations, and more. A total of 38 people reg-
istered, with all proceeds going to support SMA
programs such as the Arborist Exchange and Intern
programs. Participants received a unique and collect-
ible shirt designed again this year by Darren Green.
Everyone had a good warmup on the walk down from
the hotel, and then received a briefing on the course.
Participants began at the Seattle Aquarium and pro-
ceeded along the waterfront. Walkers went out roughly
a half mile (.8 K) and turned back near the Port of
Seattle building. Thanks to good lighting and good lis-
tening skills, all the walkers had a smooth journey.
Runners kept going another half mile (.8 K), into the
renowned Olympic Sculpture Park. The designated
turning point was the delightful and aptly named
Pocket Beach. However, pathway lighting ended a
bit short of that point, and that's where things got
more interesting, confusing, or just blurred by the
endorphins coursing through peoples' veins.
During post run debriefings, it became clear that each of
the top runners may have run different courses and dis-
tances. Chaos reigned, and the scent of scandal rose …
except that nothing was at stake besides bragging rights,
so everyone told their tales and congratulated each
other. And in reality, every participant was a winner!
at the 2022 Conference in Seattle
By Steve Cothrel, Fun Run, Walk,
or Watch Coordinator
Top Runners
• David Lefcourt
• Chris Walsh
• Shane McQuillen
• Kasey Yturralde
Top Walkers
• Terri-Ann Koike
• Yadong Qi
• Leslie Berckes
In addition, thank you to ALL our participants!
Some of the top finishers celebrate their
achievement. Photo by Leslie Berckes
Fun Run participants gather on the waterfront
before the event began, with the Seattle Great
Wheel behind them. Photo by Leslie Berckes
SMA FUN RUN, WALK, OR WATCH
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