WALKERTON – This year’s Run4Health in Walkerton will be moving back to its traditional live format.
After the successful virtual run in 2020, volunteers are planning to host live events on Sunday, Sept. 26 including a 1km family walk/run, 5km walk, 5km run, 10km run and half marathon.
“As we celebrate 11 amazing years of Run4Health, we look forward to welcoming back everyone in person,” said event chair Christine Brandt. “Online registration for all categories is now open, and we encourage everyone to sign and walk with your family, run with a friend, or challenge yourself on your own.”
Run4Health, presented by Pellow Pharmasave, is an accredited event under the Ontario Road Runners Association. Proceeds benefit the Walkerton & District Hospital Foundation, with funds from 2021 going towards the purchase of a new mammography machine. Over the past 10 years Run4Health has raised almost $200,000.
This year’s theme is tie-dyed. Race T-shirts will be provided to the first 300 adults who register.
“Our event continues to be popular with recreational runners, families and those wanting to walk in support of the hospital foundation,” said Brandt. “We are hoping the newer half marathon, which was introduced virtually last year and will run live this year, will attract even more people.”
The half marathon start time will be the earliest of the day on Sept. 26, getting underway at 8 a.m. A bus will be provided to take participants out of town to the starting point. The Larsen & Shaw 1km family walk/run will begin at the Walkerton Agricultural Building at 9 a.m. and is suitable for all ages and all abilities. An untimed event, this short walk/run encourages parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors and friends to bring the children in their life to a community event that focuses on healthy lifestyles. Wagons and strollers are welcome.
The 10k run, 5k run and 5k walk will follow. All events will start in heats of 25 participants, with social distancing guidelines in effect. There will be no awards ceremony afterwards in adherence with COVID-19 protocols.
On-line registration can be completed at www.run4health.ca. For more information or to volunteer, please call 519-881-0441.
