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Adel, Iowa

Penny’s Pieathlon

Saturday, June 28th, 2008 Adel, Iowa

2007 Pieathlon

Pieathlon Proceeds to Fight Cancer

Adel hosted the world’s first Pieathlon that was held June 23rd in Dallas County. The unique event had over 150 participants and earned about $780 for the Mercy Cancer Center and  $780 for the John Stoddard Cancer Center. In addition, nearly $2,000 was raised for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and $1,138.50 was earmarked for Ovarian Cancer Research here in Des Moines.

A Pie-athlon is similar to a mini triathlon; participants bike and run but eat pie instead of swimming. Entrants could choose from 5K or 10K runs and/ or 10, 20 or 30 mile bike rides. If those activities were too strenuous another option was literally a 1 mile walk in Adel’s Kinnick City Park. There were no official times. Instead of qualifying for the Olympics, participants help fight cancer.

After tornados, rain & hail the night before, the Pieathlon was started about 15 minutes behind schedule. Everyone was patient and seemed to have a good time. Walkers and Runners found their way despite missing route signs. Bikers left Adel on roads to find many trees across the Raccoon River Valley Trail blocking their way back. All returned smiling with stories of moving branches and “portaging” around obstacles on the trail. Later we learned several people developed rash from poison ivy but hope all of that is cleared up now.

Everyone “got it.” Some participants are cancer survivors, many have lost loved ones and all recognize the value of mutual support, fitness in disease prevention, and celebration of life in Iowa with friends and family. Oncology Research Director, Pati Berger, said the funds earmarked for Ovarian Cancer research being done now in Des Moines will make a substantial difference. And everyone seemed to enjoy the pie too!

The Pieathlon also gave a boost to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, Adel, Linden, Redfield and Dallas County. Organizers want to thank the people of Adel for sharing their streets and hospitality, Adel City Administrator-Chad Bird, Adel police, EMT’s and swimming pool staff, Julie Bailey director of Adel Partners, Jim George & Randy Cyberg of the Dallas County Road Department; Joe Hanner of Guthrie and Mike Wallace of the Dallas County Conservation Boards, the RRVTA board, Ron Plagmann of the Car Store and everyone that help with and promoted the Pieathlon.

Neta Kirk opened 1015 Riverside early to sell coffee and fresh cinnamon rolls in front of her building across from the swimming pool. Her friend, Catherine Cook, brought turnovers from the Tasty Pastry and they sold pies made by Adel’s famous pie lady, Gayle Schultz. Merle Cox’s Brick Street Barbecue sold delicious pulled pork sandwiches, water and pop to Pieathlon participants and a few folks that stopped by to see what all the activity was.  

The cool weather kept runners from overheating but put a damper on swimming. Even though the Pieathlon had no official water events we appreciated the pool staff coming in early and offering the facility for swimming.

Bikers riding the 30 mile route were greeted with smiles and goodies provided by Chuck and Carla Offenburger in Linden.    We heard several people who rode here for the first time say they like the trail and will plan to come back.  

Kathy Yori, owner of the Dam Bait Shop, had the Redfield Development Committee in high gear!   The Depot (on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, open weekends) had pop, water and Gatorade for sale as usual plus hot dogs, brats, chips and home made pie!  She also had flyers in the map packets promoting Redfield Old Settlers Celebration and  noting local purveyors; the Dexfield Diner, Dairy Shoppe, Thomas Street Tap and Harry’s Pizza & Pub.

People asked Penny if the Pieathlon was a success. It sure was a good start! Everyone finished with a smile and the pie sold out!  

Half the people you know will be touched by cancer in their lifetime. As a nation, we know what to do but we aren’t doing it. Early Detection, Access to Care and Research work. The Pieathlon helped close the gap a little last year. We’re already planning to do more in 2008. If you’d like to help, contact us.   We’ll order more pie!