Nikki's Shortcut is a 5K run/walk that will take place at River Valley High School in Three Oaks, Michigan on October 6, 2012, in memory of Nikki Allen.  Proceeds will be used to benefit St. Judes and Smile Train, and to provide scholarships.  

     The 5K will be on a mostly wooded trail at River Valley High School at 15480 Three Oaks Road in Three Oaks, Michigan.

     The 5K run/walk will start at 2:00 pm.  Info packets and t-shirts may be picked up beginning at 12:30 pm.  

     Refreshments and awards ceremony to follow run/walk.  Top male and female runner and top three runners in each age category will be awarded prizes.  Door prizes will be drawn and announced at awards ceremony. 

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     Nikki was tragically killed in a car accident on the morning of  October 29, 2008.  We are deeply saddened by the loss of such an amazing person.  She was an inspiration to many ~ a peacemaker, sweet, funny, humble, competitive, compassionate, dedicated, witty, loving, full of life, and quite a character!  
     The event is called Nikki's Shortcut because Nikki was always trying to find a better way, like when she tried to find an easier way on a hike in North Carolina in the mountains.  She found a "shortcut"  in an attempt to avoid climbing the (scary) rugged man made wooden ladder and knotted rope back to the top.  
     Nikki was born July 8, 1990, to Brad and Lori Allen. She was the oldest of four children including two brothers, Tyler and Alex, and one sister, Jessica.  Nikki played softball and ran cross country and track at River Valley High School.  She was part of the team that qualified to run at State, once in cross country, and twice on the 3200 relay for track.  She was a 2008 graduate of River Valley High School.  She was employed at Redamak's in New Buffalo and Green Door Dairy in Three Oaks.  She attended Real Life Community Church in Three Oaks.  She was a student at Southwestern Michigan College and attended  the Niles, Michigan campus.  She planned to become an archeologist, a wife and mother of four children, vacation in Tahiti, help in Peace Corp . . . she had many dreams ♥