The 18th annual Coal Country Run, held Saturday, brought the community together to celebrate fitness and fun under the bright sun. Despite the heat, participants and volunteers embraced the event, making it a success, said long-time organizer Debby Knight.
“It was a beautiful day for it, even though those of us standing in one spot were pretty hot,” Knight said with a laugh. “But I think everything went really well.”
Since its inception in 2007, the event has grown, starting as a small run at Roche Percy, raising funds for the Beinfait rink. In 2011, flooding led to a relocation to Bienfait, where funds continued to support the local rink. Since 2016, the run has supported Fresh Air Fitness, a local initiative encouraging outdoor exercise.
“All the proceeds from this go directly to Fresh Air Fitness,” Knight said. The event’s scenic route through the park and its welcoming atmosphere keep participants coming back each year.
The event offered a variety of family-friendly activities, including a bouncy castle and an ice cream truck, both donated by Kevin Mortenson. Knight highlighted how much participants appreciated his contribution. “He just does that for free, and everyone loves it,” Knight said.
The Mini Mile, a returning favourite, concluded the day’s races, drawing plenty of cheers and support from the crowd.
Aside from a brief mix-up with runners and a young participant who fell in the Mini Mile but finished strong, the day was filled with joy, enthusiasm, and smiles.
"It just seemed to be a great day," Knight added. "Lots of smiling faces."
2025 Coal Country Run Medal Winners
5K Female
Under 20: 1st – Brinley Wilson, 2nd – Amelia Genaile, 3rd – Kylie Phillipchuk
20–30: 1st – Katelyn Hutt, 2nd – Emily Eliss, 3rd – Allison Mack
31–40: 1st – Michelle Beaulieu, 2nd – Jessica Brown, 3rd – Brittany Wilhelm
41–50: 1st – Tracy Hunt, 2nd – Michelle Hall, 3rd – Cindi Kish
51–60: 1st – Kim Pastachak, 2nd – Renae Van De Woestyne, 3rd – Linda Mack
61 & Over: 1st – Wendy Walliser, 2nd – Cindy Kuster Orban, 3rd – Cheryl Anseth
Fastest overall female: Michelle Beaulieu (28:37)
5K Male
Under 20: 1st – Ajax Longman, 2nd – Jaxon House, 3rd – Kale Nelson
20–30: 1st – Braydon Krahn
31–40: 1st – Jon Bath, 2nd – Duncan Cameron, 3rd – Sebastian McClement
41–50: 1st – Riley Horton, 2nd – Archie McIsaac
51–60: 1st – Tomasz Szlapacki, 2nd – Alex Galeth, 3rd – Cory Prokop
Fastest overall male: Tomasz Szlapacki (23:11)
10K Female
20–30: 1st – Emma Bastiaansen, 2nd – Hayley Holt
31–40: 1st – Kendra Jones, 2nd – Julie Thoring, 3rd – Kaila Thomson
41–50: 1st – Jennifer Olfert, 2nd – Jennifer McNabb, 3rd – Renee Thorns
61 & Over: 1st – Karen Becker, 2nd – Corien Bastiaansen, 3rd – Marian Huber
Fastest overall female: Kendra Jones (48:47)
10K Male
20–30: 1st – Rik Bastiaansen, 2nd – Gys Bastiaansen
31–40: 1st – Daryl Donovan, 2nd – Levi Rosenbaum, 3rd – Cody Thoring
41–50: 1st – Brent Olfert, 2nd – Antoine Legendre, 3rd – Jeremy Nielsen
61 & Over: 1st – Dave Rosenbaum, 2nd – Robert Neufeld, 3rd – Bill Wyatt
Fastest overall male: Daryl Donovan (40:00)