Q & A with Klein Bearkat Bash RD Paula Hagerman

On Saturday, September 10th, the 4th annual Bearkat Bash at Klein High School will take place. It is a special race for me and my daughter, Waverly, as that is where she entered and finished her first (and fastest to date) 5K almost two years ago as an 8-year-old. I will forgo the Run The Woodlands 5K #137 that weekend to run in this event!

The entry fee is no more than any other 5K in town. (Both races are $18.) The course is fast and flat with few turns (basically a big square that goes around Meyer Park). A 7:00 a.m. start this year! Plenty of post-race food, a great atmosphere and a couple of exciting and uplifting kids runs after the adults are finished are just some of the hallmarks of this annual northside event.

I caught up with race director and Remax Professional Group real estate agent Paula Hagerman for a few questions about the 2005 edition of the Klein HS Bearkat Bash:

HR: As one of the newer races on the north side of Houston, the Bearkat Bash has already developed a loyal following on the first Saturday after Labor Day and the fall racing season. What do you think has been the key to your event's success thus far?

PH: The people working on the race love running!

Look at Suzy Seeley. Suzy's a loyal runner and is in most all of the Houston area runs. Not only does she show up, but she's also a great competitor. Tim McWilliams is the same way. Look to see a Clydsdale division added soon as this is Tim's favorite award group. I really just enjoy running and the opportunity to meet really nice people in the running community.

Meet a runner, make a friend!

HR: One of the biggest changes runners will notice this fall is the addition of a 10K. What was the motivation behind that?

PR: Suzy and her group are preparing for the Houston Marathon and like most, running clubs are needing a 10K for this weekend in September.

HR: Additionally, for the first time, the Bearkat Bash will be chip timed. Is that in any way a response to any feedback that you received from runners in any of the past three years?

PR: Feedback is always welcome and very much appreciated, but it was the next step to getting better. We knew it was time to move forward.

HR: Many races are run to support a particular charity. What group does the Bearkat Bash attempt to benefit?

PR: We strongly believe the safety of our seniors at Klein High is very important. Therefore we donate the money to an organization called APE. After Prom Extravaganza is an after Prom "Safe Place" the kids go to with great enthusiasm to celebrate their accomplishments of High School. It is an all night lock-in to keep kids from drinking and driving.

HR: The Bearkat Bash has already established itself as a family event. There's a competition each year for schools. How does that work?

PR: The competition is actually to get the elementary schools involved.

The elementary school that brings out the most kids to run in the 1K get a $2.00 rebate for each kid and the winning school takes home a Trophy Cup to display until next year's race day.

We give clubs or organizations such as Band, Student Council, etc. within Klein High the opportunity to earn $4.00 back on each entry if they bring out 10 members or more

HR: While there are a healthy number of other races that same weekend this year, what would you tell runners about the Bearkat Bash if they were undecided about which race to run in on September 10th?

PR: You have three runners organizing this race that share the love of running with you. We work hard to make sure it is safe and enjoyable for you and your family.

The registration link for the 2005 Klein Bearkat Bash through Sign Me Up Sports can be found here.