Noah’s Quest welcomes people for 21st year

By Brit Allen, The Sandy Standard

For 21 years now, the Noah’s Quest 5K Walk/Run has brought people together at Sandy Bluff Park, to mourn, find solace, get active, and raise money for the Brief Encounters support group, which serves those who’ve had babies die either in utero or after birth because of complications.

Longtime city events organizer Carol Cohen started this meaningful event after she and her husband lost their son, for whom the event is named. And while Cohen has said she started the 5K for “somewhat selfish” reasons, to help her process her own grief, it has grown to be a source of community and peace for many people. 

“I didn’t want Noah to be lost; I wanted him to be remembered,” Cohen said of her inspiration behind the event. “Did I know I was going to have an impact? No. But this event has helped generations of people grieve and heal from losses.”

In keeping with tradition, the event will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at Sandy Bluff Park, 36910 Goldenrain St., Sandy. People come from all over the region to attend this event, typically in the hundreds. 

All proceeds from the event benefit Brief Encounters, a Portland-based nonprofit organization specializing in support for families coping with the loss of a child. A representative from the group will give a presentation.

Healthy snacks and refreshments donated by Starbucks and Grocery Outlet will be available for participants. The event is sponsored monetarily by Hoodview Disposal, Clackamas County Bank, Ever Fresh Fruit Co., and McDonald Jacobs, and is hosted by the Sandy Parks and Recreation Department.

A new collection of engraved memorial bricks will be placed in the walkway at the park to commemorate children participants have lost and wish to honor.

There will also be the usual quotes from parents and babies’ names staked along the route. Those who’d like to have a name placed can submit them with their registration online by 2 p.m. on June 26. 

The event includes a kiddie run,  5K run and a 5K walk, and this time there will also be a bell ringing of baby names, candle lightning, and bubbles released for the lost lives.

Registration is available at the event or online at briefencounters.org/noahs-quest. Day-of registration on Saturday starts at 8 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 8:45 a.m. The 1K Kiddie Run starts at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K walk at 9:15 a.m. and the 5K run at 9:20 a.m.

Participation costs $30 online before June 26 and $40 on the day of the event. Children can participate in the kiddie run for $5.

If you can’t attend the event, but wish to make a donation, you can do so online. 

For more information, to register, or to make a donation, visit briefencounters.org/noahs-quest.