Organizers knew it would be a milestone year for the Curtis Klassen Memorial Fund Run & Walk to Remember, which took place Saturday morning in Altona. What they didn't know ahead of time was just how big of a year it would be.
"We knew today we would be able to announce we have raised over $100,000 to date with these events, but I'm pleased to let you know we will be looking at the $120,000 mark, so $120,000 over the years and this is our 13th Run and Walk event, so it's just phenomenal," shared committee member Eric Hildebrand Saturday morning.
Record number of participants
The Manitoba Runners Association sanctioned event attracted over 190 participants, a new record.
"Over the number of years we've been doing this event, we've had approximately 1500 participants and just over 750 volunteers," said Hildebrand. "We've been able to donate to over 20 different organizations and individuals with the money we've been bringing in over the years, so it's just phenomenal. We're really pleased every year it seems to be getting a little bit bigger, perhaps there's a little more awareness, and that's just warming for us."
The money raised supports the Fund which provides grants to community projects, sports and education.
"Phenomenal" support
"We started really, really small, not sure how the community would embrace the event," he added. noting this is the only event of its kind in Altona. "We have people coming out every year just to walk the course with their children, or with their spouses or their friends and family. A lot of our participants are potentially returning participants year after year, which is phenomenal. Same would go for our volunteers and our sponsors."
Hildebrand believes, with 13 events now in the books, they have the Run & Walk to Remember in a really good place, and continue to be very fortunate the community embraces it like it does.
