MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette alternative high school is raising money and awareness about the importance of trees. It’s called the happy little 5K, an annual nationwide run and walk event that honors iconic art instructor and television host Bob Ross, all while supporting tree planting and forest protection efforts.
“It’s a happy run for the trees. 5k, so we’re just out here walking and running, or however we can get to the finish line, and it’s going to be a good day,” said event coordinator and teacher Kim Matulewicz.
Locally, over 100 students and faculty took part in today’s 5K that raises money to plant trees. At $35 per entry, each participant represents one tree to be planted in the Marquette area.
“We actually planted some of the trees to help with erosion right over on the beach,” said Matulewicz.
Some students ran, while others chose to walk the five-kilometer course, which started at the Presque Isle pavilion and continued down the multi-use trail.
“We’ve been training and trying to get them to walk and or run every day, or leading up to the race. We had a rain delay. This is our second choice of a day, so we had a little extra time because we had a little extra snow. But sometimes it’s difficult to motivate them, but I think in the end, they’ll see it’s all worth it,” said Matulewicz.
Participation is growing each year, with more than 10,000 people in Michigan and across a dozen other states participating. Last year, the happy little 5k raised over $200,000 for tree planting and forest health.
