BRIGHTON — Tribal and community members of all ages braved the cold and light drizzle Nov. 18 in Brighton to participate in the first Run for Pie event.

Hosted by the Brighton Health Department, Run for Pie replaced the seasonal Turkey Trot held in previous years.

“Someone had an idea for a run for pie,” health educator Terri Anquoe said. “It’s kind of a way to make it a little different event.”

Participants ran 3.1 miles for the sweet reward of a pumpkin, apple or guava pie awaiting them at the finish line.

The top three qualifying youth who crossed the finish line also received a trophy along with their tasty treats.

“I was telling myself I was going to be first so that’s what made me win,” said first-place youth Jaylen Baker.

Friends and family ran together around the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena as members of the Health Department cheered them on.

“Our overall goal is to encourage exercise so we try to make our activities fun and enjoyable for all,” Anquoe said.

While the Run for Pie was considered just a fun run and not competitive, some Tribal members came out to compete with themselves.

“They had one of these on Indian Day and I didn’t have a chance to do it,” Lewis Gopher said. “I started one on Fourth of July so I decided to come out and pick up my slack.”

The Brighton Health Department continues to hold new activities and events to send the message to Tribal members that they can beat and manage diabetes with the proper diet and exercise.

“It’s good just to give everyone an incentive to come out and be active and move around more,” Gopher said.