Chef and Child run raises money for education

"It's something different," so says chef William Askew, a certified executive chef who plies his trade at the Nevada Country Club, about the Chef and Child 5K Night Run and One Mile Walk Aug. 29.

Askew is a runner who is devoted to three things; good food, running, and helping charities.

"I run a lot," Askew said. "I figure I get about 500 miles per pair of shoes. I don't know anyone who decides when to change shoes by how far they've run."

For Askew the run was a way to combine his interests and to help raise money for charity, in this case the Chef and Child Foundation. The foundation raises money for education programs at schools and works with the government to plan healthy menus for school children as well as a variety of other programs.

The foundation maintains three trailers which feature fully equipped kitchens. During the aftermath of a disaster the kitchens are dispatched to help feed the people in the affected area.

Askew said he had read about night races and decided to see if he could organize one. However he did find one fly in the ointment.

"Since I organized it, I can't run," Askew said. "I have a lot to do that night and I can't take part in the race."

Askew said that runners would need to bring their own flashlights or other sources of illumination since the race is at night. The course is laid out on the golf course and the cart paths of the Nevada Country Club with two bridges and some hills to challenge the runners.

Askew said he hoped to raise $500 with the $10 entry fees.

"There are a lot of runners in our area," Askew said. "I don't' think people know how many racers there are out there and we raise a lot of money for different charities."

Anyone wishing to participate needs to pre-register by Aug. 19. Askew can be reached at (620) 404-9234 or by sending an e-mail to baskew_2000@yahoo.com.