Burman University will be hosting a benefit run this coming Sunday.
The funds raised through the run around Barnett Lake will go towards assisting Lacombe resident Leah Cobetto.
Last September, 22-year-old Cobetto was walking home in downtown Lacombe and was struck by an impaired driver, which resulted in the amputation of her lower right leg.
“The funds raised through the race will go towards buying her a more efficient prosthetic leg than she currently has,” said co-organizer Ron Schafer.
The community event also coincides with the Burman University Launch Week, where the former Canadian University College will official unveil their new name.
Schafer said a run around Barnett Lake has been a traditional event ran by the school dating back over 50 years. The group wanted to revive the tradition just in time for the launch week, but with a community focus.
“The weather may put a kink in it, but we plan to move forward,” he said. “We are hoping to get a good crowd out for a good cause.”
Organizers plan for the event to go rain, snow or shine and are hoping all of the snow is gone from the trails to make the event a success.
The race will be run on rough trails around the lake, with only a small portion on paved road.
Runners can choose from three distances - a 4 km trip around the lake for runners or walkers, an 11 km course or a three-person relay.
“In the three-person relay, each person will run one lap each,” said Schafer.
The race will begin and finish at the Burman University campus, in the field below the gym near Casey’s Cabin. Refreshments and a closing ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. at Casey’s Cabin.
Registered runners will also gain free admission to Gwen Bader Fitness Centre and Pool for the remainder of the day.
Registration is $30 per adult or $15 for a youth or senior. Runners can register in teams for the relay online.
Each run has a capacity for 200 runners except the relay, which has a maximum registration of 300. The Burman University Benefit Run on March 29th will start at 1 p.m. with race times for the 4 km run/walk at 1:10 p.m., 11 km run starting at 1 p.m. and 4 km relay also at 1 p.m.
Runners can pre-register online via Running Room or register the day of the event 30 minutes prior to the start.
For more information contact Klaus Irrgang at kirrgang@cauc.ca or at 403-782-3381 ext. 4048 or contact Schafer at 403-391-6909.
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