Jen McKenna Paddle and Run

After a canceled 2020 event due to COVID 19, our event will be in its inaugural year - Saturday, Sept 11, 2021. Join us for a new event experience. The Jen McKenna Paddle and Run will move to its new location at Higgens Point. Athletes will begin just east of the Higgens Point boat launch and paddle around Higgens Point into Blue Creek Bay to the turn around and double back to the paddle exit. Paddle distance is approximately 1.6 miles. Then, runners head along the Centennial Trail to the turn around and double back before a short trail run and finish at the Higgens Point Park at the end of the Centennial Trail.  Run distance is approximately 4.5 miles.  This is an individual or 2-person team (1 paddler, 1 runner) event.  Awards will be given for the top 3 men and women and top male, female, and mixed teams. Participants will also enjoy a post-race event of food and beverages provided local area restaurants.

Jen loved the outdoors, including running and kayaking. She had cystic fibrosis, but she did not let the disease define her or what she was able to do in life.  In February 2019, Jen and her family relocated to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill to wait for a double lung transplant.  She received a set on May 23, but due to cystic fibrosis-related complications, Jen McKenna passed away on June 27, 2019, at the age of 41. Proceeds from the event benefit All Heart Infusion of Spokane and Coeur d'Alene and the Children's Organ Transplant Association and children who have cystic fibrosis awaiting a double lung transplant.