The seventh annual Blackfalds Fun, Run and Walk event will once again be hosted this upcoming Saturday and organizers are hoping the event will be a successful fundraiser for local initiatives in the community.
Normally, the event is hosted in May, but Guest Services Coordinator at the Abbey Centre Carol Simpson explained that due to the inclement weather, officials decided to have it a month later than in previous years.
“We found with traditionally having it in the first weekend of May, often times we run into poor weather so we thought if we moved it back then we’d have a better chance of having a nice warmer day. Also, it gives the parks and facilities staff the chance to have more time once the snow is gone to have all the litter from winter all picked up. We’re trying to showcase our community with the walk and we want to make sure we’re putting on our best face for the people using it.”
Past recipients from the Fun, Run and Walk event include the Blackfalds Field House Society and the Town of Blackfalds Programs Admissions and Sports Subsidy program. However, this year the Optimist Club of Blackfalds’ Skateboard Park fundraising initiative was chosen.
“I’m one of two co-organizers, so we two discussed the possible recipients and then of course talked about it with our general manager here at the Abbey Central and we just felt that with this new project going in directly across the streetfrom the Abbey Centre and with it being a Town of Blackfalds facility - their supporting us, then we’ll support them,” explained Simpson. She also added that the Abbey Centre is a large supporter of the Optimist Club and will support them intheir initiatives.
Once the expenses are paid from the actual event, which Simpson explained are very limited for this event, the rest of the funds from registration and monetary donations will be given to the recipient.
Simpson said that the event is very much family-friendly so they want families and little ones out and about, but understandif the weather is poor that there won’t be as much participation.
“Last year went pretty good, we would have liked to have a higher registration, we had around 150ish people participate. We have enough registration and supplies to guarantee 300. The first 300 people registered will get what we call ‘swag,’ sowe’re set for that amount. It really depends for someone people whether or not its going to be a nice morning.”
There is still time for participants to register, and people can register at the Abbey Centre, at www.blackfalds.com/register,www.runningroom.com or on the actual event day. Registration is currently over 100, Simpson said.
Registration will begin between 9-9:30 a.m. on Saturday with the start time of 10 a.m. Participants can choose whether or not they want a 3km, 5km or 10km walk or run. The fees for students and 55 plus are $15, adults are $25, a family of fourcan register for $65 and $10 for each additional child.
Simpson said she is looking forward to the turnout this year as last year more than 200 participants turned out for the run.
shelby.craig@lacombeexpress.com