Get a Run for Your Money at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 5K Poker Run

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Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa is at it again with the 5K Poker Run, combining competition, fitness and fun for runners ages 21 and over of any speed and skill level. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 16th.
Medals are awarded to the top 3 male and top 3 female individual finishers and announced during the Pool Party immediately following the race. Racers can enjoy complimentary food and two beers per racer at the Pool Party from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The party will also feature live music from 80s cover band Metalhead. Plus, play in the Poolside Poker Promotion starting at 9:15 a.m. for a chance to win $10 in free slot play up to $500 in cash. Tournament participants must have a Total Rewards card and valid photo ID to participate in the Poolside Poker Promotion. Guests not already signed up can do so for free any time before the event at the Total Rewards Center or online at totalrewards.com.
Race packets will be available for pick-up on Friday, April 15 from 3 – 8 p.m. at the Events Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, or on Saturday, April 16 from 7-8 a.m. at the race site.
Last year’s event registered 200 runners with ages ranging from 21 to 78 years old. The fastest finisher completed the race in 18 minutes and the final finisher completed the race in 1 hour and 45 minutes. So no matter what age or ability, it’ll be a run that is full of excitement and fun for all. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the fast-paced fun and then enjoy the rest of the day in the sun at poolside.
Last year’s event gave back to the community and this year Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino will continue the good will. A portion of the race proceeds will benefit The United Way of Pinal County, Girls on the Run serving Maricopa and Pinal Counties, and the Ocular Melanoma Foundation. Please register online at www.HarrahsAkChin.com. The entry fee is $40 and includes a race tech shirt, entry into the Poolside Poker Promotion, admission to the post-race Pool Party, and more! Use offer code RACECLN and receive $10 off your entry fee!
If you have any questions about the race or the pool party, visit www.HarrahsAkChin.com or email RunHarrahsAZ@caesars.com.

Pictures Courtesy Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 5k Poker Run Facebook

Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.